Welcome to the latest episode of "Retirement Rebel," where together we explore the vibrant possibilities that life after 60 can offer. I’m Siobhan Daniels, and I’m genuinely thrilled to have you here with me as we dive into stories that challenge what retirement traditionally looks like. This week, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Carol Easton, OBE. We kicked off our conversation by exploring her incredible work with the Centre For Ageing Better, which is running a campaign to combat ageism. It's a cause that's close to my heart, as I personally believe in pushing forward the boundaries on age-related stereotypes, which Carol is doing so passionately. She shares how her role is not just about supporting individuals but about changing systems and attitudes at large—a topic that I'm sure resonates with many of you who have faced similar challenges in the workforce or society.

Secondly, we delved into Carol’s inspiring career journey, which spans work in mental health and various roles in the voluntary sector. What makes Carol truly unique is her rebellious spirit—a quality that she believes has fuelled her ability to champion campaigns and ideas that bring lasting change. Her determination and drive have allowed her to integrate personal satisfaction with professional impact—a synergy many of us strive for as we redefine retirement. As you tune in, I hope you find inspiration in Carol’s experiences as a mental health practitioner and her transition into impactful roles that pave the way for new opportunities for people at all stages of life.

Lastly, Carol and I explored how deeply entrenched ageism is in our society and how it can affect us all, from subtle stereotypes to more overt discrimination. It's a reality that many of us have encountered, whether in our personal or professional lives, and one that Carol is ardently working to dismantle through her campaigns. We talked about the importance of not internalising these stereotypes and instead fostering a culture that values every age bracket for its unique contributions. I believe these discussions are key to encourageing a positive discourse about ageing and redefining what it means to live boldly after 60.

Key Points

01:36 - Reflecting on Sian Davis' Journey I briefly revisit last week's episode with Sian Davis, who is preparing to row around mainland UK and become the oldest woman to do so. She highlights the importance of resilience and encourages women not to self-limit as they age.

01:46 - Welcoming Carol to the Discussion Carol Easton joins me, and we dive right into discussing her work at the Centre For Ageing Better, which aims to combat ageism and improve opportunities for people to age well.

02:38 - The Challenge of Ageism We discuss how ageism negatively impacts individuals and society, emphasising the Centre's three-year campaign to combat it. Carol describes the importance of changing attitudes and systems to provide everyone the opportunity to age better.

02:54 - Carol's Career and Personal Motivation Carol shares her early career journey in London, her initial work in mental health, and how her desire to make a meaningful impact has driven her work, particularly in empowering children and young people.

06:45 - Transitioning to Aging Advocacy Carol talks about her transition to working with the Centre For Ageing Better, driven by a desire to address systemic issues affecting older populations and challenge societal assumptions around ageing.

08:10 - Addressing Ageism in Society We delve into the pervasive nature of ageism, where Carol provides insights into its presence in the workplace, healthcare, and broader societal attitudes, calling for noticeable change and action.

11:32 - The Impact of Ageist Stereotypes Carol explains how ageist stereotypes harm economic potential and personal health, urging individuals and organisations to notice, challenge, and change ageist behaviour to benefit all of society.

16:15 - The Role of the Campaign The discussion highlights the Centre's Age Without Limits campaign, emphasising its role in combating ageism by challenging stereotypes and encouraging conversations across various sectors.

24:43 - Progress and Outcomes Carol shares the campaign's positive reception, its measurable impacts on raising awareness and challenging stereotypes, and her hopes for continued cultural and systemic change surrounding ageism.

27:56 - Sharing Resources and Encouraging Participation Listeners are encouraged to access and utilise resources like the Age Friendly Image Library and advocate for age-friendly policies in their workplaces to actively contribute to combating ageism.

37:41 - Embracing Rebellion in Advocacy Carol reminisces about her rebellious streak in her career, focusing on challenging the status quo and initiating necessary conversations about significant issues like ageism and bereavement.

40:19 - The Need for Continued Change In closing, we stress that change will take time, but through continued conversations and advocacy, we can shift societal perceptions and policies to embrace ageing as a positive experience.

Guest Info

Carol Easton serves as a champion for healthy ageing at the Centre for Ageing Better, where she works to create positive change in how society approaches later life. Her mission centres on tackling the stark inequalities that exist in how people experience ageing, with some individuals enjoying good health while others face significant challenges and discrimination.

At the core of Carol's work is the fundamental belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to age well. She actively works to highlight and address the various obstacles that many older adults encounter, pushing for systemic changes that can lead to more equitable outcomes. Her efforts focus on creating environments and policies that support healthy, active, and fulfilling later life experiences for all members of society.

Through her role at the Centre for Ageing Better, Carol advocates for practical solutions that can make a meaningful difference in people's lives. She emphasises the importance of viewing healthy ageing not just as an individual benefit but as a crucial factor in building stronger, more resilient communities.

Links and Resources

• Dr. Carol Easton, OBE
• Centre For Aging Better
• ChildLine
• Age Without Limits campaign
• Age Friendly Employer Pledge
• Age Friendly Image Library
• Book: "Elderhood"

Quotes

"Challenging Ageism Begins with Conversation":

"The more people that have had the conversation, the more people that have stopped to think about ageism, the more people start challenging, as you say, not in an aggressive or confrontational way necessarily, but saying, have you stopped to think about why you've made that conclusion about someone of a certain age or why you've raised that as a question?"

"There's enough to contend with without that negative or stereotypical treatment that you get at any age, not when you're older either."

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Partnering to Challenge Ageism Together

We’re thrilled to partner with the Centre for Ageing Better to support their Age Without Limits campaign. This inspiring initiative challenges stereotypes and champions the idea that ageing should be celebrated, not limited by societal views. Discover more and join the movement at agewithoutlimits.org.

Ageing Better