As we get older, there is a common misconception that our world will become smaller and our interests narrower. I have found the exact opposite to be true, having discovered so much about myself since leaving my 20+ year career at the BBC.
Over the last few years, I have been on a constant quest for adventure, and what’s become increasingly apparent to me is the important role that both resilience and determination play in helping to secure a happy and healthy lifestyle as we age. At the same time, I have recognised the enormous benefits that taking on new challenges can bring to your outlook on life.
You absolutely can find new passions later in life, and in fact, one of the greatest pleasures of later life is that you often have more time to enjoy these passions and to try your hand at new things, whether that’s ballroom dancing, Pilates, painting or playing Bridge. This ethos is very much at the heart of Wallacea Living, where a focus on community and a proactive approach to wellbeing enables home-owners to have the time of their later life.
The journey to new challenges
In my book Fearless, I tell the stories of ordinary women who perform extraordinary feats of endurance, by joining them on their incredible adventures. Throughout the project, I made many discoveries, one of which was that taking on new challenges brings with it an enormous sense of achievement. But it’s not just completing the challenge that is fulfilling; it's often the journey you take to get to the point of completion that is most rewarding.
Everybody’s challenge will be different. For me, my next challenge is to complete an ultra-marathon. But my journey towards this challenge has brought so much fulfilment already. Firstly, it has introduced me to the world of triathlons, where I have become part of an amazing, supportive community of like-minded enthusiasts. I have made some incredible friendships – most of which I would never have made otherwise – and have created many cherished memories.
I have also learnt that, in taking on new challenges, you realise you are more capable than perhaps you thought you were. During the extreme ironman that I completed in Patagonia, I had to jump off a ferry in the dark, into freezing cold water, where I knew that Orcas swam. I can still feel the immense sense of fear and trepidation that I experienced at the time, however once I was brave enough to jump in andcame up for air, the sense of achievement, exhilaration and fulfilment that I felt was truly extraordinary. The knock-on effect was a huge boost in confidence and resilience, as if I had a back-pack of super-power memories that could help me to overcome (almost) anything in life.
So how can we get the most out of later life and lean into the reality of getting older?
Movement & strength: Its very simple really, try to move as much as you can, and where possible in the great outdoors. Walk, swim, cycle, dance – whatever it is that gets you motivated. At the same time, invest time in building your core strength – something I have taken much more seriously in recent years. This could be through lifting weights or regular exercises to work on your core. By becoming fitter and stronger we can help to avoid falling and breaking bones later in life.
Identify your goal: Finding something you really enjoy and are passionate about can bring unending enjoyment and fulfilment. It could be anything from reading or painting to yoga or even learning a new language. Set yourself a challenge related to that passion and reap the rewards when you complete that challenge. I have recently embarked on the challenge of reading all the winners of the Women’s Prize for Fiction, and I can’t tell you how much enjoyment it is bringing to my life.
Family & Friends: The advantages of having a solid network of loved ones simply cannot be measured. Make time and space for those closest to you, there is nothing more important, particularly as we get older.
Find your tribe: Invest time in building a community around you of people who like doing the things that you do. They may not already be your friends, but they will undoubtedly become your friends. This community doesn’t have to be physical – it could be a network you find online, where you can share your passions in the digital world. However you engage, it will bring an enormous sense of belonging and camaraderie.
Pets, pets, pets: There are few things that bring me greater joy than my pets. While I realise this may not be for everyone, for me, the love and adoration that they bring is incomparable. I have two dogs, two rescue ponies and arabbit, and in looking after them I get out to the great outdoors every day. The sense of purpose that they to my life bring is incredible.
I was delighted to speak at Wallacea Living’s Housewarming party earlier this month, where I saw the beautiful new show apartment at their first development in West London. It struck me that so many of the goals I list above are perfectly aligned with their mission – to create a space and build a thriving community, where people can live a fuller and happier life, regardless of age. It’s about keeping happy, healthy and fit, so that you can enjoy more of the things you really love.
Louise Minchin is a television presenter, journalist and author. She presented BBC Breakfast from 2012 – 2021 and her book Fearless: Adventures with Extraordinary Women, was published in 2023.
