Psychologist questions pressure to perform successful ageing

Critique of positive ageing narrative

Dr Denise Taylor, a chartered psychologist and author of ThriveSpan, questions the common advice to age successfully. She notes that society encourages exercise, better eating and constant productivity for older people. This pressure makes growing older feel like another job rather than a natural process. Taylor argues that ageing is not a competition where everyone must demonstrate perfect health.

Jo Brand interview sparks response

Taylor found Jo Brand's reflections on approaching 70 refreshing because they lack self-improvement formulas. The interview appeared in The Guardian on November 2 and describes Brand as angry or grumpy yet enjoying life. Taylor states that older women are treated as if they are all alike despite being individual. She wants more freedom for people to grow older in their own unique ways.

Reader shares fitness success story

Louise Mothersole from Bournemouth, Dorset, wrote to reassure Jo Brand that getting fitter at 64 is possible. She and her 73-year-old partner were couch potatoes until April of this year when they started the Couch to 5K challenge. They now run 5km three times every week and complete the distance in about 40 minutes. Mothersole says they feel much better for their efforts despite not being quick runners.