A few weeks ago, Eleanor Peake, a journalist with The i (The Independent) contacted me. She was researching for an article on retirement and was looking for an ageing well expert for commentary. As we discussed retirement in general, I shared snippets of my life. She said she would use some of my quotes.
When she sent me the link to the article, I discovered I had become part of the story … which I hadn’t expected. It’s an interesting piece, but as often happens, it focuses on financially secure people, which is of course only one element of a successful retirement.
The secret to a happy retirement
As an ageing well expert do I think we should be called pensioners? No, and I doubt the other people featured do. I’m not that keen on the photo either, but the ladies look like they have joy in their life.
If you would like to read the full article, you can access a PDF of the article here: My secret for a happy retirement
Mental Health Matters with Dr Audrey Tang TOPIC: Ageing Well
The article went live on the same day I featured on an online show discussing ageing with Dr Audrey Tang. She wants to have me back another time. We faced some tech problems – I was meant to appear on the TV screen, but we dealt with it resiliently. You can watch the show below, if you’re interested:
“Ageing is often viewed through a negative lens, filled with stigmas and fears. However, today’s discussion shifts that perspective, focusing on the privilege of growing older. Dr. Denise Taylor, an ageing well expert , shares her insights on how we can embrace our journey as we age, highlighting the importance of mindset, planning, and self-acceptance”.
A Talk on the importance of friendship
The social media channels buzzed based on a keynote talk I gave at a conference on Friendship (and loneliness).
It was brilliant to reconnect with Dr Denise Taylor at The Oddfellows Weekend Seminar in Leamington Spa. Thanks to all our Branch colleagues for joining us! Dr Denise explained the science behind friendship and difference interactions and some of the hidden health benefits, reinforcing why the work of our volunteers is so important.
In 2023, we worked together to create the Friendship MOT, which allows people to take stock of their social circles and see where they might be able to make improvements. You can about it and take the MOT here: https://lnkd.in/ekTKbQTV
My new website is now live, with a soft launch until I update the photos. The photographer is coming later today, so it will take a week or more until I receive them. Looking at my media section, I realize my first radio show aired 20 years ago and my first press appearance was in 2006 – 18 years ago!
I do less now, as most of the earlier work didn’t pay. It hadn’t occurred to me to ask for payment until recently. Now I’m also more discriminating – I no longer stay up for a 1:00 AM show or spend an hour preparing without compensation.
