Ageing positively

It struck me last night that many men heading towards retirement might be inspired by hearing me tell my story. I went to university for the first time at the age of 64, stopped taking on paid work, and made writing non-fiction books my new occupation. I’ve never been busier, or happier than I am right now.

I have also been able to put past experience to good use as a charity trustee, and more recently, chair of a community land trust. Many charities are desperate to recruit trustees (and volunteers) with enthusiam and relevant experience, which most older guys have, but may not see as such.

While of course women also face challenges as they age, it’s men who in my experience need the most encouragement and support. Women seem more resilient and better able to cope with change. I’ve just seen too many men lose heart and waste what could be the best years of their life, mourning the stability and structure of the working week they are leaviing behind.

I’m in no rush to fill my diary with speaking engagements, but do enjoy seeing an audiences’s faces light up as the penny drops and they begin to see their future more positively.