In this episode, longtime friends Lucy and Lisette revisit Lisette's Year of Being 70, as today it ends as she celebrates her 71st birthday.

They recall their 21st birthdays half a century ago and, through their reflective conversation, explore how their perspectives and experiences have evolved over the past 50 years - from having the freedom to make choices about contraception and career, to witnessing the changing social landscape around women's rights and personal freedoms.

Their chat offers a unique window into the lived realities and shifting norms for women across generations. Concepts like 'Entrepreneur' and 'Startup' just weren't used in the 1970s and 80s when these two were starting businesses.

Key Insights

• Lisette had a big celebratory 21st party with her parents; Lucy was already married and on the verge of emigrating to Australia and a whole new life.

• The freedom to make choices about one's life, body and future is a relatively recent privilege that these women have witnessed first-hand over their lifetimes.

• Societal attitudes and laws around women's rights, from opening bank accounts to getting mortgages and starting businesses, have undergone dramatic - but not always linear - progress over the past 50 years.

• Friendships and social connections often take on new meaning and dimensions as we age, with Lisette finding herself making new friends of all ages even in her 70s.

• The passage of time brings a different kind of wisdom, self-acceptance and sense of identity, allowing Lisette to embrace her role as a "paver of the way" rather than an initiator.

• Technology and surveillance have significantly changed the landscape of personal safety, both enhancing it in some ways but also presenting new challenges.

Why You Should Listen:

This thoughtful, wide-ranging conversation offers a unique window into the lived experiences and shifting societal norms for women over the past half-century. Lisette and Lucy's reflections provide valuable insights into the complexities of ageing, the evolution of personal freedoms, and the enduring power of friendship and self-discovery. Their story is a testament to the importance of openly discussing the realities of womanhood across generations.

Join The Conversation

How long has it been since your 21st birthday? Did you have a big celebration - and what do you look back on in the years between then and now? Depending on your age, what are the biggest changes in society and technology that have taken place since you were 21?

If you feel like sharing, tell us your personal experience in the comments.

Watch/listen to our full playlist (The Year of Being 70): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzDmlsx6mhXmqlFJFZEEvaOwytbeAMFCm

If you enjoyed this discussion, as well as the personal journeys of these old (in every sense) friends, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and tap the bell icon to stay updated on new episodes of The Year of Being 70. Subscribe now and join the journey!

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