We’re David (age 72) and Victoria (age 68 ¾) Marshall. David is a retired Boeing structures engineer. I spent 25 years as the principal owner of a tourist map publishing business, which I sold in 2011. For the past ten years we’ve been publishing 3^rd Act Magazine, a lifestyle publication dedicated to promoting positive aging and combating ageism.

Ageism is often internalized. You can recognize it when that little voice says, “you’re too old for that.” Chronological age really has nothing to do with it—we all age differently. So, when that little voice starts imposing limits, we challenge it and ask different questions: Are we fit and healthy enough to do this, and if not, can we get there? Do we have the experience and knowledge, or can we get it? Are we letting other people’s opinions influence us? Are we willing to take risks?

David is an experienced sailor. Born and raised in Seattle, he bought his first sailboat in his 20s and took it to Alaska and back without the modern instruments we have today. In mid-life, he single-handed a 50-foot steel schooner from La Paz, Mexico to Sitka, Alaska, a journey that took him out 1,000 miles into the Pacific Ocean. He was alone on the boat for 42 days at sea. (I have a tough time being alone for a day!) Oceana is his third sailboat, “I take a 20-year break between boats,” he says.

My sailing experience started when we got Oceana. I’ve had small boats—fishing and ski boats—and even a nice little Bayliner cruiser once, but this was all new. After five summers I’d still call myself a novice, but I can now tell you the difference between a shroud and a sheet. I know how to sail close to the wind and can usually keep the sails full when sailing wing and wing. Honestly, this was never on my radar, but it’s exciting to evolve and embrace new challenges.

Circumnavigating Vancouver Island is no small task for experienced sailors of any age. And sailing an older boat like ours with no electric motors to furl, unfurl and trim our sails takes strength, and of course balance. So, when that little voice started saying, “maybe you are too old for this,” we decided we were up for the adventure.  But we also know that window is closing. As healthy and fit as we currently are, things can change quickly as we continue to age.

You can’t publish a magazine on positive aging for 10 years without learning from it. We are embracing our age, living fully while we are alive, and aging with confidence. (Well, most of the time.) We are determined to seize the opportunity to do what we can, while we can. Go. Now.