69. In America, it’s the age when many start asking: Should I finally slow down? Book that cruise? Clean the garage? But here’s a better question: What if 69 isn’t the end of your game – but your best move yet?
Take Pope Leo XIV. At 69, he’s newly elected, speaks multiple languages, reads daily, leads a global institution, and still walks on his own feet – without Secret Service or a cart. Now contrast that with Donald Trump, 78: a man who boasts about his energy but is rarely seen without a red cap, a Diet Coke, and the engine hum of a golf buggy beneath him. The difference isn’t age. It’s attitude – and maybe fiber intake.
Retirement, American-style: From corner office to corner booth
In the U.S., full retirement kicks in at 67 – unless you’re smart (and lucky) enough to cash out at 62. Some Americans retire early and enjoy it. Others run screaming back into consulting gigs when they realize that endless leisure often leads to a slow, bored decline. Especially if it involves cable news and processed meat.
The real issue isn’t when you stop working – it’s whether you stop growing.
Physical age vs. functional fitness
You can be 69 and stronger than someone half your age – if you move, eat like a grown-up, and know that creatine isn’t a character in a Marvel movie. Muscle loss, or sarcopenia, isn’t inevitable. It’s optional. Staying strong after 60 isn’t a miracle – it’s maintenance, movement, and mindset. So is mental rust. Read. Debate. Volunteer. Lead. Build something. No, TikTok dances don’t count.
Being 78 doesn’t automatically make you wise. Just ask anyone who’s ever listened to Trump explain wind turbines. A man who fueled his career on bravado, fast food, and late-night TV isn’t the role model for resilience. He’s proof that you can age in reverse – just not in the way you'd hope.
The Pope’s edge: education, engagement, and espresso
Why is Pope Leo XIV thriving at 69? Because he’s spent a lifetime cultivating his intellect, his body, and his sense of service. He’s not fighting irrelevance – he’s living relevance. His fitness isn’t measured in abs or Instagram followers. It’s measured in clarity, commitment, and compassion. And yes, walking is involved.
Meanwhile, Trump leans heavily on his brand, his base, and his McDonald’s habit. He claims to be in perfect health while avoiding stairs and vegetables like subpoenas. He doesn’t need a wheelchair – just a very loyal golf cart.
Leadership at a Glance: Who Would You Bet On?
| Criterion | Pope Leo XIV (69) | Donald Trump (78) |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Mobility | Walks unaided, upright posture | Golf cart as an electrically Musk-powered walking aid |
| Mental Fitness | Well-read, multilingual, nuanced | Television & teleprompter |
| Diet | Mediterranean, moderate, uses a fork | Big Macs, fries, Diet Coke – proudly |
| Morning Routine | Prayer and international newspapers | Truth Social and ALL CAPS |
| Leadership Style | Servant leader, inclusive | Loud, impulsive, self-centered |
| Public Persona | Dignity, humility, global relevance | Caps, rallies, lingering reality-TV aura |
| Future Potential | Cultivated, credible, socially embedded | Nostalgic, loud, resistant to change |
Why staying engaged is better than staying retired
You don’t need to run a country or wear a white cassock to stay sharp. But you do need a reason to get out of bed that isn’t “rearrange the garage again.” Cognitive / Mental health is a muscle too – and reading, discussing, and serving others are its daily reps. Studies show that people who remain socially active, mentally stimulated, and physically mobile past retirement age live longer – and better. They also smile more and complain less. And shockingly, many of them even drink water.
Don’t let age bench you – play smarter
This isn’t about working till you drop. It’s about not dropping just because someone said, “It’s time.” If you’re physically fit, mentally curious, and socially connected, you’re not expired – you’re elite. - Retirement should be a choice, not an off-switch. Just because you hit 69 doesn’t mean you’re out of the game. It might mean you’re finally playing it right.
Trump is 78. Pope Leo is 69. Who’s the future?
One reads books. The other rage-posts at 3 a.m.
One embraces community. The other built walls.
One walks. The other rides.
One leads with humility. The other sells baseball caps.
Let’s be honest: the calendar isn’t what defines your worth. Your habits do.
So if you’re 69 and wondering whether you’re too old to lead, learn, or lift – just ask yourself: Do I want to be more like the Pope... or more like the guy who thinks fries are a vegetable?
Exactly.
