77. Turning 70: Sian Lockwood on Ageing, Purpose and OOPS

On the day before my 70th birthday (how did that happen?!), I wanted to mark the occasion by talking to someone who is making us all think differently about ageing. My guest is Sian Lockwood - co-founder of WIGO (When I Get Old) and writer of the brilliant OOPS blog: Outspoken Older People Subverting. We talk about what it really feels like to get older - from feeling 35 in your head (most of the time!) to navigating the realities of changing energy, friendships, family life and purpose. There’s honesty, humour, a bit of ranting about ageism … and a strong sense that life is still very much for living. A warm, wise and gently subversive conversation about growing older - and making it count. 🍋💡🍋 Lemon Lightbulbs from this episode  💡 You don’t stop needing purpose just because you get older. 💡 Ageing isn’t one thing — some days you’re 35, some days you’re 120. 💡 Being older can make you invisible — unless you choose not to be. 💡 Purpose doesn’t retire when you do. 💡 Don’t waste a minute of the time that’s left. 💡 Slowing down can help you notice more, not less. 💡 It’s not about pretending to be young — it’s about living fully as you are. 💡 Older people still want to contribute, not just be cared for. 💡 Sometimes the best thing for your wellbeing is to get up and do something for someone else. LINKS OOPS blog - Outspoken Older People Subverting WIGO - When I Get Old campaign Brian Dolan - End PJ paralysis Episode 64. Dorothy Hall - age discrimination in the NHS Episode 67. VE Day Special - Dulcie Matthews and Dorothy Hall - Hope, Resilience, and the Spirit of Coventry We LOVE it when you leave a review! If you enjoy my podcast and find these conversations useful please  share your thoughts by leaving a review (Spotify or Apple are easiest to leave a review - navigate via 3 dots) and comment on your favourite episodes. Connect with me - Gill Phillips - on LinkedIn, especially if you are interested in our brand new #CYPWhoseShoes resources or our well-established #MatExp (maternity experience) work. I tweet (not so much these days!) as @WhoseShoes  and am on Instagram as @WhoseShoesUK and @WildCardWS. Please recommend 'Wild Card - Whose Shoes' to others who enjoy hearing passionate people talk about their experiences of improving health care.