English Social Sciences Media / Multimedia

"The second point relates more to the linear nature of time, with the onset of old age, and the weakening of the body and one's memory and sense of self. In the face of this Riggs's respondents felt the need to be strong, mindfully alert and active. They wanted to be independent, both in mind and body. They worry about being labelled as senile and take pride and pleasure in engaging with particular form of mystery narrative: to be alert. Likewise, symbolocally, they are faced with challenges in life."

I was wondering why the author used this phrase 'to be alert' after the colon, what does it refer to and how can I paraphrase it. in order to be alert, they want to be alert? Perhaps someone can understand it better than me.