I retired at the age of 58 but I was not very happy with the abrupt change. I looked around for activities to occupy myself l had a number of long standing hobbies- painting; guitar playing; caravanning but , for some reason , none of these filled the void caused by the sudden cessation of regular work.
I had always been active but I did not feel like continuing the sports and activities I had done from time to time. I did not want to partake in activities such as cycling or tennis and was certainly averse to joining a gym.
I had done some Martial Arts but never for more than very short periods. I was always very disappointed with the philosophy of what I encountered. They were mainly very badly run Clubs. I wanted to keep fit but was looking for something that had a purpose - something that would be 'a way of life' and would build up in stages towards a final goal. I also wanted to pursue something I could continue with as I got older. I found it when I responded to an advertisement to join a Shotokan Karate Club governed by a Japanese Headquarters. It was one of the best things I have ever done.
It was run by people who were totally committed to the Karate they were teaching so expertly. Even though I was 59 years old I was respected; encouraged; was expertly taught all the skills of the Art and over a period of time gained a Black Belt. But, this was only the beginning. I remember, when I was given the Black Belt, being told -- quote - ' You have passed the ' Driving Test' now you have to learn to drive'. I am now 78 years old and I am still attending Karate training sessions on a regular basis. Every session is full of interest and I learn more and more. I also keep very fit. Such a level of fitness gives me the energy to live life to the full. I am able to walk long distances and climb mountains. Karate training gives me a great core strength to do all manner of things including growing all my own vegetables and fruit on an allotment. In addition to this Karate gives me great mental stability. What I most appreciate is that Karate is a way of life. It engenders confidence. Even getting up from a chair has a karate element, i.e Using leg strength without the aid of arms. Karate encourages the body to move as it is meant to move. Also it can only be done well if eating and sleeping etc are correct. So Karate ' is not just for the dojo (training room) . Karate is like boiling water. The water boils but has to be constantly topped up . So it is a way of constantly having a healthy life style. The difference between Karate and many other activities is that body has to be in the correct position and move as it was meant to move. So, done properly it does not put a harmful strain on the body. So, in my experience it is something I can continue with. Age should not put people off Karate. Properly taught it can be used to delay the ageing process and the learning of the many Katas helps with memory and the exercise is a great muscle developer.
A white belt is worn whilst carefully learning the rudiments of Karate and there follows a gradual build up of the many skills. A gradual build up means that fitness develops and there is no undue strain. 
I am nearly 80 but I feel I can carry on with Karate for many more years. During training sessions I feel good and this has a lasting effect. Kaizen No-Michi is a good Club, which is friendly but has firm rules and discipline. I found such a Club in Walsall and I am forever grateful to those who inspired me.
Finally there is , in my experience, a comradeship which I find invaluable.

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Dave Buxton. 
A Member of the Walsall Karate Dojo (JKS)