Podcasts

4 older women dancers in costume, pointing ominously

Dancing exercises the aging brain

March 4, 2020

At 75, I wondered what would keep my old brain healthy. My cognitive skills improved in my 70s because dancing exercises the aging brain.

old illustration of doctor peering into patient's throat

Fixing my old-lady voice

February 14, 2020

At 75, I wanted to fix my weak and creaky old-lady voice. Let me tell you how that worked out. I’m Rachel McAlpine, I’m learning how to be old, and I’m talking to you, with my very own voice.

Preventing loneliness: two older men walking together with shopping bags

At 75 I wondered whether my social life was future-proofed, if that’s possible. Research shows that loneliness is literally a killer, so I wanted to be proactive and prevent loneliness in old age. It’s hard to make friends when you’re very old, which I would be one day. So I audited my social life and took two small steps to improve it.

Commit to hobbies for a happy old age

January 16, 2020

I decided to commit to hobbies as part of my preparation for old age. Hobbies provide a transition from paid employment to retirement, plus friendships, a role, and a chance for perpetual learning. I love my singing and dancing groups, but would I pass my hobbies-audit?

Drawing of a barefoot girl with pocket money in one hand and a basket of eggs in the other

Manage finances for old age: boot camp for the bonus years

January 7, 2020

“Manage finances for old age” was the fourth task in my boot camp for the bonus years. I was 75 and likely to live to 98: would my retirement savings last that long? I had no idea. I really, really didn’t want to listen to a financial adviser. Yet now, with a realistic budget and a sound financial plan, I know where I stand.