Roman Zubrytskyi, aged 76. Used to work as circus clown for 50 years and went on tours all around the globe. Even now he sticks to that active lifestyle, rides a scooter.
What do you consider to be the long life secret?
It is somehow genetically programmed. My grandfather and father have been quite athletic since childhood. I used to work on the arena, with tours in different countries. Physical training was of huge importance. And I still keep fit, I have a bike and even a scooter. I swim all the time.
By the way, being a student of Kyiv Academy of Circus And Variety Arts, I used to spend my summer in the capital working at a rescue station, first as a lifeguard seaman and then as a petty officer of the rescue service. Therefore, for many years I had some proper swimming practice.
Also I never had the slightest wish to try alcohol or smoking, I think. And that doesn't mean I'm an ascetic. We must live with hope for the best.
What would you advise for young people?
Do not lose your optimism. As a young man I had such a quality as lack of confidence, my self-esteem was low, I was to some extent an isolated and frightened one, but it was the work that transformed me. You need to go out and face the trouble. If you hide in the shell of your fears - nothing will happen. Life is like a wave - one is passing, if a second comes - do not lose your optimism.
What advice can you give to young people thinking of their career?
There is one tip: I lost a lot because of it. No need to disperse yourself - you need to hit at one point. Filter the negative stuff, sometimes you can even sacrifice some interesting things, but act with determination, then you will achieve so much.
What do you like the most in this part of your life?
Now there are many opportunities, many different companies emerge, loads of shooting. Here you can express yourself, get something new. So, we had these videos made for the UNFPA project - it stimulated my enthusiasm. I feel this energy, and it enables me to live longer.
Photos by Divergent Agency.
