Being Old Is No Longer a Given: Cherish the Now

Not too long ago, I came across the heartbreaking news of Khalil Fong’s passing. He was only 41 years old—far too young to leave this world. I was stunned. How could someone so vibrant and full of life be gone just like that? It felt like a déjà vu moment, reminding me of Barbie Hsu’s sudden departure just a few months ago. Another familiar name, another life cut short.

Lately, I can’t shake off the feeling that life is far more fragile than we allow ourselves to believe. It’s not just celebrities in the headlines—these tragedies happen all around us. A friend who went to the hospital for what seemed like a minor flu never came back due to a misdiagnosis. A relative who was making plans for retirement passed away before ever getting the chance to enjoy it. These stories are real, and they serve as painful reminders: growing old is a privilege, not a guarantee.

The Illusion of Later

We often hear people talk about retirement plans, as if reaching old age is a certainty. But the truth is, not everyone gets a “later.” We put off vacations until we’ve saved enough, delay dreams for a “better time,” and tell ourselves we’ll start truly living once we retire. But what if that time never comes? What if the future we envision is just an illusion?

Instead of planning too far ahead, perhaps we should focus on living fully in the present. If there’s something you’ve been yearning to do, don’t wait. Take that trip, try that hobby, spend time with loved ones, and cherish every moment. Because every day we wake up is already a blessing.

So many people spend their lives accumulating wealth, working tirelessly for a future that they may never get to experience. They postpone happiness, thinking they will enjoy life when they are older, more financially stable, or when they retire. But in reality, life is unpredictable. No one can guarantee that they will live to see their retirement years.

Make Life Count Now

Aging is a luxury that not everyone gets to experience. So rather than worrying endlessly about the future, why not celebrate today? Give yourself the gift of experiences. Travel and see the world. Call that friend you’ve been meaning to catch up with. Say “I love you” more often.

We don’t always get to decide how long we live, but we can decide how well we live. Don’t wait for “someday.” Start now. Because life is happening now.

Live with intention. Take time to appreciate the little things—a beautiful sunset, the sound of laughter, the feeling of a warm hug. These small moments are what truly make life meaningful.

Cherish the Moment

It’s easy to take life for granted, thinking there will always be time. But if recent losses have taught me anything, it’s this: there is no certainty except for the present.

So don’t wait. Live. Love. Explore.

If there’s something you’ve always wanted to do, start today. Don’t let fear, hesitation, or societal expectations hold you back. You don’t need to wait for the “right time” because the right time is now.

Not everyone gets the chance to grow old, but everyone gets the chance to make today count. Don’t wait until it’s too late to live the life you truly want.