Is 70 the New 65? Rethinking Ageing in the 21st Century
Introduction At what age do we truly become ‘old’? For decades, 65 has been the traditional marker of older age in the UK, largely because it was the official retirement age and the point at which people could claim their State Pension. But with people living longer and healthier lives, is it time to rethink […]
Rethinking Later Life Living: Could University-Based Communities Work in the UK?
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how we might reimagine where, and how, we live in later life. A recent article I read sparked this reflection: could university-based retirement communities (UBRCs), which are becoming popular in the U.S., offer something similar here in the UK? Or do we need to think differently, finding more […]
Listening to My Body and Embracing the Seasons of Life
Hi, it’s Dr. Denise Taylor, coming to you from my wood. It’s just after 1pm on Thursday, March 20th, the first day of spring, and it certainly feels like it. My watch says it’s 16 degrees, and I’m enjoying the fresh air. Behind me is the base that Justin and I built, originally for a […]
University-Based Retirement Communities: A New Retirement Model?
University-based retirement communities (UBRCs) are gaining popularity, offering an alternative to traditional retirement living. While this model is expanding in the U.S., could university-based retirement communities work in the UK? Could they provide intellectual stimulation, intergenerational engagement, and a sense of purpose in later life? Or are there better, more inclusive ways to achieve these […]
Rethinking the “Age Wave”: Embracing the Opportunities of a Longer Life
The way we talk about ageing matters. Describing demographic change as an “age wave” or worse, a “retirement tsunami”, fuels a fear-based narrative that frames longer lives as a crisis rather than an evolution. As a 67-year-old psychologist and later-life coach with a doctorate in meaningful ageing, I see this shift not as a disaster […]
Adapting, Growing, and Thriving: Lessons from the Woodland
The Changing Seasons at Blue Bell Wood The sun is shining, and for the first time in months, I’ve shed my usual woolly hat, a small but delightful sign of the changing seasons here at Blue Bell Wood. The primroses are blooming, and I’m eagerly anticipating the arrival of the bluebells in the coming months. […]
Feminism Then and Now: What’s Changed, and What Hasn’t?
Yasmin Alibhai-Brown’s recent piece in The Independent calls for a revival of feminism. I welcomed it. Like her, I came of age in the 1970s, when feminism was a movement, not a brand. We didn’t just talk about equality, we fought for it. We challenged the system, questioned norms, and rejected the idea that our […]
Embracing the Beauty of Hard Work in the Woods
Finding Joy in Nature Spending time in the woods has a way of grounding us, bringing clarity and a deep sense of connection. Today was no exception. I arrived at my woodland retreat early in the morning, eager to get started on a new project. This time, I was working with Justin to build a […]
Marking 67½: Looking Back, Looking Forward
Today I am 67 and 26 weeks Halfway through my 67th year, I find myself reflecting, not just on this moment, but on the years that have shaped it. Looking back to 60 and 65, I see distinct chapters, each defined by transformation, adventure, and self-discovery. Looking ahead to 70 and beyond, I feel a […]
Why Some People Crave Self-Insight More Than Others
The Self-Insight Motive: Why Do Some People Crave Self-Knowledge More Than Others? The human desire to understand oneself has persisted for centuries, spanning ancient philosophy, religious traditions, and modern psychology. Given the popularity of astrology columns, self-help books, and personality quizzes, it seems that most, if not all, people are intrigued by the idea of […]