In this episode, Lucy and Lisette, two longtime friends who turned 70 in 2024, explore the changing dynamics and responsibilities that come with age. As they navigate the transition from middle-age to elderhood, they discuss the value of presence, curiosity, and wisdom that their life experiences have provided.

They discuss how they are now seen as the "elders" in various groups and settings, which brings a sense of responsibility but also freedom. As the oldest in the room, they feel a shift in their role - from needing to prove themselves to being a calming, grounding presence that others look to for wisdom and perspective.

Key Highlights

• The shift from feeling like the 'youngest in the room' to embracing the role of respected elder, being able to speak up more freely without worrying about how they will be perceived, and focusing on listening and sharing their accumulated life experiences.

• Learning to manage time and priorities with a more relaxed, less hurried approach. Lisette shares how she has learned to better organise her time and not feel the need to rush or cram everything in, which was a habit when she was younger.

• They discuss shedding unnecessary 'shoulds' and obligations, and focusing on what truly matters to them at this stage of life while recognising the responsibility to share their accumulated knowledge and provide a grounding presence for younger generations

• Lucy talks about the joys and challenges of being a grandparent, and the differences between parenting and grandparenting. They both share memories of their own grandparents and what that older generation brought to their lives as children.

• Lucy shares her experience of going through her mother's belongings to sell the house she no longer lives in, and how it was an emotional process for her and her siblings, each with their own approach. Lisette emphasiaes the importance of having humour and understanding when going through these family transitions.

• They recognise that these moments of saying goodbye to the past can also represent a farewell to one's own childhood.

Why You Should Listen

This episode provides a thoughtful and relatable perspective on the realities of aging, the benefits of embracing one's role as an elder, and the unique insights that can come with a lifetime of experiences. Lucy and Lisette's candid conversation offers listeners a chance to reflect on their own journeys and the evolving dynamics of age and wisdom. They also consider the implications of being part of the large 'baby boomer' cohort and the potential influence they hold as a group.

Join the Conversation

Are you approaching the age of 70, or have family members, friends or mentors older than yourself who are at that stage? If you are an ‘elder’, how do you feel about your role, especially if it's new to you? If you are younger, what benefits and strengths to older people bring to your life and/or work?

Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Watch/listen to our full playlist (The Year of Being 70): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzDmlsx6mhXmqlFJFZEEvaOwytbeAMFCm

If you enjoyed this discussion of an engaging subject, as well as the personal journeys of these old (in every sense) friends, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and tap the bell icon to stay updated on new episodes of The Year of Being 70. Subscribe now and join the journey!

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In this episode, lifelong friends Lisette and Lucy look back on the period of their lives when they turned 55 - a time that is often seen as deep into "middle age" and even the start of old age. However, they share how this was actually a period of new beginnings, transitions, and lifelong learning for both of them.

Both took training courses in their 50s that did not lead to the expected career paths, but provided valuable skills and insights they applied in different ways. They embraced new challenges and opportunities that arose organically, rather than following rigid career plans; they see their varied career paths and ability to adapt to changing circumstances as positive attributes, not as lacking direction.

Key Highlights

• Lucy went back to college aged 55 to get a Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector (DTLLS), an experience she found both exhilarating and challenging.

• Lisette transitioned from running a healing practice to becoming an author, publishing her first book "The Childhood Conclusions Fix" in 2011.

• Both women took on new careers and ventures in their 50s, showing that this phase of life can be a time of reinvention and growth.

• They discuss the complex feelings that come with criticism and self-doubt, and how they have learned to navigate those emotions.

• Lisette and Lucy emphasise the importance of continual learning and being open to new experiences, no matter your age; and that both are essential for keeping oneself stimulated and "young" in later life.

Why You Should Listen

This episode provides an inspiring look at how two women navigated a pivotal period in their lives, defying stereotypes about ageing and embracing lifelong learning themselves. Their stories demonstrate that our 50s and 60s can be a time of profound transformation and opportunity. Dealing with criticism and self-doubt is an ongoing struggle, but they emphasise the importance of staying open, courageous, and continuously learning.

Whether you're approaching this stage of life or simply curious to hear different perspectives, this conversation is sure to spark reflection and encouragement.

Join the Conversation

Are you approaching the age of 55 – and feeling it might be the start of ‘getting old’? Or have you been there, done that and realised it’s another opportunity for change and growth? What did you do in your 50s that changed your thinking, your career or your life? What courses have you been on that taught you more than the course subject? Do you sometimes feel self doubt, or respond badly to criticism? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Watch our full playlist (The Year of Being 70): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzDmlsx6mhXmqlFJFZEEvaOwytbeAMFCm

If you enjoyed this discussion of an engaging subject, as well as the personal journeys of these old (in every sense) friends, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and tap the bell icon to stay updated on new episodes of The Year of Being 70. Subscribe now and join the journey!

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In this episode, ''The Year of Being 70 Ep 30: Nostalgia & Pet Peeves - Are We Grumpy Old Women?'' Lucy and Lisette have a wide-ranging conversation covering nostalgia and the grumpiness of older people looking back to their youth. The conversation touches on relatable themes like impatience, changing social norms, thinking 'it was better in my day' and the desire to hold onto the past – an engaging and humorous piece for older listeners and anyone interested in the experience of ageing.

Key Highlights

• Exploring Nostalgia and Acceptance.

Lisette and Lucy discuss the nuances of nostalgia - how it can be a pleasant look back, but also how it's important not to dwell in the past or view youth and earlier times through rose-coloured glasses. They touch on the importance of acceptance - acknowledging what we cannot change, while still striving to improve what we can.

• Dealing with Irritations and Grumpiness

The friends delve into the small annoyances and irritations that come with age, like loud talkers, voice messages, and people who speak in clichés. However, they both recognise the value in trying not to be overly grumpy or cynical, and finding ways to stay open-minded and positive.

• Being a "Grumpy Old Woman"

Lucy and Lisette wonder whether they qualify as "grumpy old women" now that they are 70 years old. Lisette admits to having some grumpy tendencies, like getting annoyed by inconsiderate behaviour of others in public, but tries to counteract her grumpiness by smiling and being kind to others as much as possible. Both try to avoid being overly grumpy and cynical, as they feel it can make you seem older and less open-minded.

• Communication Styles

Lucy explains her preference for thinking before speaking and her frustration with people who speak at length without filtering their thoughts. Lisette gets irritated by people leaving voice messages as it takes so much longer to listen than to read. Both of them note that the underlying resentment of both these habits is feeling their time is being wasted.

• "Meant To Be"

They explore the concept of accepting life's circumstances, with Lisette sharing her experience of attending a funeral where the deceased's son said his mother’s death was "written”, reflecting a belief that everything happens for a reason. Lucy, though, finds the phrase "it was meant to be" when used to justify unfortunate events troublingly simplistic in the face of real suffering.

• Generational Differences and Adaptability

The discussion highlights some of the generational divides, like preferences for written communication versus verbal, and how technology has changed the way we interact. Both 70-year-olds talk about the importance of having an openness to understanding other people’s and generations’ perspectives and finding common ground.

Why You Should Listen

This conversation demonstrates how the two friends navigate the complexities of ageing, seeking to maintain a positive outlook while also acknowledging the frustrations that can come with getting older – or were they there all along? They emphasise the importance of staying open-minded, resisting the temptation to become overly critical, and finding humour in their shared experiences.

Underlying the whole conversation is the strong, decades-long friendship between Lucy and Lisette, which provides a rich context and sense of shared history. Their honesty offers an insightful, relatable look at navigating the complexities of ageing, while celebrating a willingness to grow and adapt.

Join the Conversation

If you are an older listener, do you feel like you’ve become a Grumpy Old Person? Do you enjoy having a moan whatever age you are? Do you look back on your childhood or youth with rose-tinted glasses? Or do you enjoy a bit of nostalgia? What are your pet peeves about today’s world?

Watch our full playlist (The Year...