Centenarian Henry Young shows age no barrier to staying active

Australia Broadcast Center

5 days ago

At 101, Henry Young lives up to his family name more than the number before it.
He says it is "ridiculous" that he regularly competes in international tennis tournaments where his opponents are sometimes several decades his junior.
But, he thinks it is more ridiculous that more senior citizens are not gracing the court.
"There's no reason why everybody shouldn't be there, it's just a matter of looking after yourself and enjoying yourself." he said.
The World War II veteran, who plays tennis recreationally up to four times per week, said age should be no barrier to enjoying life, especially when it came to his beloved game.
"People give up their tennis too early," he said.
"Medicine is so good these days that when things wear out they can renew them — I'm a living example of that.
"I've got varicose veins that have been stripped or tied off, I've got two new knees, a new hip, a pacemaker, lenses in both eyes so I can read the paper without glasses, a hearing aid in my left ear and a cochlear in my right ear, but I think the rest of me is all natural."
Mr Young said his competitive streak, a keen eye for opportunity and healthy breakfasts of corn flakes and fruit were among the keys to his longevity.
As a young man living in New Zealand during World War II, he signed up to be a fighter pilot and was sent to England to get his wings.
Once there, he was offered the chance to complete his training in the United States.
"A 20-year-old for 13 months in the United States, you can imagine what that was like," he laughed.
"I've had a wonderful life and that was one of the highlights."
In 2023, a then 99-year-old Mr Young played at the Australian Open, sharing the court with tennis heavyweights Alexander Zverev and Francis Tiafoe, and fellow tennis senior Leonid Stanislavsky.
This weekend Mr Young will compete in the Queensland Seniors Championships on the Gold Coast.
"I love the competitive aspect and it's nice to know where you are in the hierarchy," he said.
After hitting it out on the Gold Coast, the centenarian plans to travel to Croatia for his next masters tennis tournament later this year and may visit the European snowfields.
"It's a nice part of the world so I'll play tennis there for the week and then, it's close to Switzerland, so maybe I'll do a bit of skiing," Mr Young said.
"I'm lucky, I love my skiing, it's competitive and it's nice to test yourself."
Of all the life lessons he has learned in his 101 years, Mr Young said "taking opportunities" was the one above all others he wished more people would know.
"We [Australia] are a lucky country, but you're only lucky if you grab your luck."