A Slower Trip

Hi, it’s Dr Denise, down in my wood. I was talking to a couple of people about the Cotswold Way. This is one of these walks that you can do that can take several days. A good number of days to do. I was talking to Guy, and he said he met some people on […]

Taking things slowly

Hi, it’s Dr. Denise, down in the wood, and I’m just taking things slowly. I’ve been here for a few hours. I’m just listening to the birds and it’s so nice and peaceful. And I know at home I could just sit quietly and read a book, but there are always demands, aren’t there? We […]

Reflections on being ourselves

 Hi, it’s Dr. Denise Taylor on this beautiful sunny afternoon in the wood.  And this morning I went and visited a different wood and it’s really interesting to see what other people are doing. This is a community wood and there was a group of wood owners and we all went there. I learnt a […]

Time in Nature – Singing with Nightingales

Owning a wood, I enjoy spending quiet time alone with the trees; listening to the sounds of birds and other wildlife. However, I’ve never heard musicians playing along to bird song. I found out about an event Singing with Nightingales, last year on a visit to a RSPB Nature reserve, just a few miles from our […]

I’m now on Substack

I’ve not posted here for a while … I’m now writing more on Substack. It’s a place that encourages writers to create thoughtful articles to share. Once I’m into my rhythm there, I’ll alternate between the different sites. On Substack my title is: Rethinking Retirement and Conscious Ageing, making it very clear on what I […]

Retirement Inequality

Let’s get real. Not everybody is going to have a fulfilling retirement. Not everybody has the luxury of being able to do well-paid consultancy or to have a significant income so that work becomes something they can choose to do. There are so many people out there who are going to live exist on the […]

Living in a Maasai Village, part 1

Back from living with a Maasai tribe, and ‘off grid for over 2 weeks. I’m home and in a state of wonder, and tiredness for what I have experienced. I have travelled extensively around the world for over 17 years, but never before have I had such a deep connection and such a sense of […]

I could live to 100

Or 93 according to the Living to 100 web site It’s a really interesting assessment to do, and better if you can add accurate blood pressure and cholesterol readings. You also get a detailed report for how to add years with suggestions. For a free assessment I highly recommend it. It tells me I should […]

An Exploration of Reflexivity in Retirement Research

Echoes of Experience: An Exploration of Reflexivity in Retirement Research Let’s take a break from the practical articles I’ve been sharing, and dive into the contemplative side of my research, particularly focusing on reflexivity. Whether you’re in the midst of considering retirement, already enjoying your retired life, or assisting clients in this transition, it’s crucial […]

Volunteering in later life

This time I want to talk about volunteering, whilst many of us will continue to work, well into later life, it doesn’t have to be paid work. If money isn’t a key driver, volunteering may fill the gap from work. Volunteering can also help us to develop the skills needed for a change of career […]