Brain Game: What would you do if you woke up one day and you were suddenly 65 years old? (Round 3)

I would be shocked when yesterday I was studying for my maths test and today I wake up with white hair. My juvenile mind would constantly fight my mature body, trying to do everything I effortlessly did when I was young. I would also have a lot of regrets because 52 years of my life had passed before I got to discover the world, made many unforgettable memories with my closest friends, and created rousing stories to tell my grandkids. Nonetheless, I would embrace this new stage of my life and make the most of it until its inevitable end.

Since my best years have been taken away, I would cherish time even more. Without having to go to work, I would be able to appreciate what’s happening around me. I would first explore Hong Kong and then travel around the world.

I would definitely stand in front of a mirror first! I have always wondered how I would look as an old lady. Would I look as elegant as Queen Elizabeth? Afterwards, I would check on my family and friends to see if they have all time-travelled. Then, I would binge-watch Netflix series, such as Stranger Things, Wednesday and Treason, because I couldn’t do it as a senior secondary school student. After enjoying myself to the fullest, I would find a way to go back to my original age – perhaps after having a good night’s sleep.

I would see if time-travelling machines were invented and try to go back to being a teen. Who would want to skip their entire adulthood and suddenly become a grandma? One day I lay dying on a hospital bed trying to think about my life but I can’t since I skipped half a century. This is not right. I think I have to travel back in time and live my life fully. Before that, I would memorise the winning numbers of Mark Six. Then I can become a millionaire and have a really good life.

The first thing I would do is get a JoyYou card. Then I would only have to pay HK$2 to take public transport. I would also get a check-up to see if I have memory loss or any other medical condition. I would do lots of exercises to stay fit and eat healthy food. I would stay in touch with my family and friends and lead a happy, meaningful life.

I would immediately open a nursing home and live there with other elderly people. It would be like a boarding school, but much more fun. We would get to learn interesting stuff, ranging from knitting to painting. There would be no homework, no stress, no drama, just a jolly group full of avid elderly learners. This can help ease my boredom. As the saying goes, it’s never too late to learn. The nursing home would be key to a fulfilling life as a retiree.

The first thing I would do is try to make up for lost time by engaging in my favourite activities, especially travelling. I would visit exotic places and take part in extreme sports such as skydiving and scuba diving. But I would also make sure to spend quality time with my family and friends and use the remaining years of my life working with NGOs and charities to try to make a difference in other people’s lives.

A nice trip around the world would be fun. There are many places I hope to visit. Having no school or job, exploring the world and relaxing is the best option. Although the preparation could be challenging, the outcome would be worth it. I could see famous landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Sydney Opera House and Empire State Building or lie down on Bondi Beach while sipping a glass of fresh lemon juice. Or I could be with penguins in the South Pole. What a life!