In a heartwarming viral Instagram video, Aija Mayrock became the first woman to join a Japanese football team with an extraordinary requirement: players must be aged 80 or older.
Known as ‘The Attackers,’ this team includes men in their 80s and 90s, with the oldest player being an impressive 93-year-old.
Despite being the youngest on the field, Mayrock had to match their competitive spirit and keep up with their pace.
A Strong Passion for Football at Any Age
Mayrock revealed that Takayuki, the team’s 85-year-old leader, pushed her to stay in line with their rigorous training and competitive play.
“The Attackers”, founded by individuals determined to keep their love for football alive, train intensely, and compete in senior championships across Japan, demonstrating remarkable dedication to their sport.
A New Perspective on Aging: Pursuing What You Love
Mayrock’s experience with the team sends a clear message: age is no barrier to maintaining one’s passions. The Attackers show that staying physically active and nurturing social connections can lead to a fulfilling and vibrant life, no matter how old you are.
As Mayrock puts it, “As long as you keep kicking the ball, you won’t kick the bucket.”
The Ageism Battle: A Global Issue
Ageism, or discrimination based on age, is an ongoing issue affecting people worldwide, often pushing older individuals into the margins of society. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), ageism contributes to the isolation and neglect of the elderly, limiting their opportunities in work, media, and healthcare.
Japan’s 80+ football league challenges these stereotypes, encouraging older adults to participate in sports and celebrating their vitality. This initiative is particularly meaningful in Japan, where the elderly population is rapidly growing—one in ten people in the country is now aged 80 or older.
The league serves as a powerful reminder that life doesn’t end at retirement and defies the typical notion of aging as a time of decline.
Ageism in Singapore: Parallel Challenges and Opportunities
Singapore is also grappling with its own aging population, with seniors making up 19.9% of the population in 2024—a number expected to rise. Despite advances in ensuring elderly citizens remain part of society, ageism continues to affect certain sectors, especially employment.
Like Japan’s football league, a greater emphasis on providing opportunities for seniors to stay active and contribute to society would help combat stereotypes surrounding aging.
Whether through sports or other pursuits, society needs to recognize that older individuals can—and should—continue to chase their passions, defying the outdated assumptions of aging.
A Global Movement for Age Inclusivity
The 80+ football league in Japan is a powerful example of how age should never be a limitation for anyone wishing to engage in activities such as sports, work, or social endeavors. With the global population aging, it’s time to challenge traditional views of aging.
Japan’s 80+ football team serves as a blueprint for other countries, showcasing the importance of inclusion, eradicating ageism, and proving that it’s never too late to pursue one’s dreams.
As the team continues to inspire players and spectators alike, their example demonstrates that age is truly just a number, and the fight against ageism is only just beginning.
Watch the video here:
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