The Art of Rest: Redefining Recovery in Active Later Life
Four weeks ago, I experienced a significant fall that left me with a bruised forehead and two black eyes. Rather than seeking immediate medical attention, I chose to start my journey (bus-train-plane), for a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife tracking course in South Africa. My concern was that I’d be in A&E, they would send me home and […]
The Weight of Expectations: My Personal Journey Through Comfort, Struggle, and Acceptance
Reading about Kate Manne’s reflections in Unshrinking hit close to home. Her insights on fatphobia and the societal pressures surrounding weight resonated deeply with my own experiences. At 67, I’ve lived through decades of navigating a world where my size felt like a defining factor—a source of both internal battles and external judgment. I’ve struggled […]
What the Maasai Taught Me About Positive Ageing
Earlier this year, living with a Maasai tribe, my understanding of ageing and retirement has been profoundly challenged. Despite my years of research in positive retirement and a PhD focused on finding meaning in later life, this experience offered fresh perspectives on how we might approach our later years. In Western society, we often frame […]
How to make friends later in life
I was delighted to be a guest on the Last First Date podcast and to share some of my research on making friends in later life You can read the full article, listen to the podcast from this link https://lastfirstdate.com/how-to-make-friends-later-in-life/ Or watch on You Tube
Finding Flow: The Psychology of Engagement in Later Life
As I immerse myself in learning tracking skills in South Africa, I’m experiencing what psychologists call ‘flow state’ – that remarkable condition where time seems to dissolve as we become completely absorbed in what we’re doing. This experience has prompted me to reflect on why finding flow becomes increasingly valuable as we age. Throughout my […]
Unlocking the Power of Deep Imagery Therapy: Reconnecting with Your Inner Wisdom
Having spent three transformative years training in Deep Imagery, including the profound experience of guiding Stephen Gallegos, the founder of Deep Imagery, through this powerful practice, I’ve witnessed firsthand how this approach can unlock our innate wisdom and healing potential. Let me share with you what makes this journey so remarkable. The Foundation: Grounding in […]
Exploring Deep Imagery: A Journey to Wholeness with Dr. Steve Gallegos
Deep Imagery, a profound psychological approach, invites individuals to reconnect with their inner selves, fostering a sense of wholeness and authenticity. I completed three years of training as a Deep Imagery Practitioner; this is the first article on the subject and this article delves into the insights shared by Dr. Steve Gallegos, the founder of […]
The importance of new challenges
Curiosity is an important characteristic in maintaining good psychological health as we age. Research consistently shows that those who remain intellectually engaged experience better cognitive function and greater life satisfaction in their later years. This isn’t merely about keeping busy – it’s about maintaining genuine engagement with life. It’s essential to actively seek out ways […]
Give your brain a rest
Hi, it’s Dr Denise down at the wood and it’s a while since I’ve done one of my videos. I just needed to get away, away from home technology. I’ve also not been feeling 100%, and they always say go out and get some fresh air. So, I thought, well, why not drive to my […]
Rethinking Retirement: A Modern Perspective on Later Life
The traditional notion of retirement, marked by a gold watch and a decisive departure from work is increasingly out of step with contemporary reality. As a researcher who has dedicated considerable time to studying retirement transitions, including doctoral research in this field, I’ve observed significant shifts in how we approach later life. The Changing Mathematics […]