In this episode, lifelong friends Lucy and Lisette continue their weekly conversation about navigating life after turning 70. As they reflect on their own ageing process, the discussion turns to comparing themselves to their parents at similar stages of life.

While their fathers died in their 80s, both Lisette's and Lucy's mothers had long widowhoods into their 90s - Lucy's mother is now 97, while Lisette's mum died in her sleep four years ago. With poignant stories about their fathers' later years, the friends explore how our perceptions of ageing can shift as we get older.

Lucy and Lisette openly share how their parents' experiences have influenced their own outlook on getting older. From Lucy's father's steadfast routines to Lisette's mother's cheerful retirement, the podcast offers a relatable look at the complex emotions that can arise when we measure our own journeys against those who came before us.

Key Highlights:

* Landmark Birthdays: Lucy and Lisette discuss the significance of turning 70 and 71, noting how as they approach it, 71 feels "so much older" despite their pride in reaching these milestones.

* Recalling Their Parents at 70: The two hosts reflect on their memories of their parents at similar ages, wondering how their own experiences compare.

* Fathers: Lisette’s father was diagnosed with a brain tumour in his early 80s, which eventually brought about his death; and Lucy shares the story of her father going blind in his 70s due to a pancreatic issue, which dramatically changed his independence and daily life.

* Mothers: In contrast, Lisette's mother remained cheerful and enjoying life right up to her death in her early 90s; while Lucy’s 97-year-old mother had a vibrant and adventurous 70s after she was widowed, even embarking on a challenging charity walk in the Syrian desert.

* The Complexities of Ageing: Both Lucy and Lisette grapple with the nuances of aging, acknowledging how their parents' journeys have shaped their own perspectives and expectations; and talk about supporting their parents through their end-of-life stages.

Why You Should Listen:

This episode of The Year of Being 70 offers a poignant and relatable exploration of the complex emotions that arise as we age and reflect on our parents' experiences. Through Lucy and Lisette's candid conversation, listeners will gain insights into the universal challenges and joys of growing older, while also being inspired by the remarkable stories of their parents' later years.

Join The Conversation

How have your parents' lives influenced yours? Have you cared for parents through their end-of-life journey? If you were lucky enough to have two parents, did you grieve differently for your father and your mother? What makes a good death, for the parent and for the child, in your opinion?

If you have personal experience or stories you'd like to share, tell us about them 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 of a universal subject, 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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In this episode, "The Year of Being 70 Ep37: The Spooky Stuff - Is There Life After Death?" longtime friends Lucy and Lisette delve deep into the mysteries of life beyond the physical realm. From Lisette's childhood experiences with a spiritual being named Po, to Lucy's encounters with ghostly presences in her home, the conversation explores the profound and often inexplicable ways in which we may connect with realms beyond our own.

Both women share their personal journeys of shifting beliefs, from scepticism to open-mindedness, and the profound impact these experiences have had on their understanding of life, death, and the nature of existence.

Key Highlights

• Lisette's childhood connection with the benevolent being "Po", and her lifelong belief in the spiritual dimensions of existence

• Lucy's transformation from an atheist to an agnostic, and finally her acceptance of life after death after her "ghost story" experience

• The accounts of widows receiving apparent signs and messages from their deceased partners

• Lisette's work as a healer and her ability to sense and interact with energy fields and past lives

• Lucy's daughter's psychic encounters with spirits and entities within their home

• The concept of energy, vibration, and frequency as a means of communication between the physical and non-physical realms

Why You Should Listen

This episode offers a thought-provoking and deeply personal exploration of the mysteries that lie beyond our physical existence. Through the candid sharing of Lisette and Lucy's experiences, listeners are invited to consider the possibility of life before birth, life after death, and the myriad ways in which we may connect with unseen realms.

Whether you are a believer, a sceptic, or somewhere in between, this conversation is sure to expand your perspectives and inspire deeper reflection on the nature of consciousness and the human experience.

Join The Conversation

Do you have spiritual or religious beliefs, or are you certain this physical life is it? Have you had personal experiences of life before birth, or life after death? Has anything happened to you that ended up changing your beliefs? Or are you very much a 'don't know' in this area?

If you have personal experience or stories you'd like to share, tell us about them 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 of an always engaging subject, 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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Are you comfortable travelling, going out, socialising on your own, or do you always prefer to share experiences with others?

In this episode, Lucy and Lisette reflect on their experiences of doing things independently throughout their lives and now as women in their 70s. They discuss the challenges and joys of reclaiming one’s identity after separation, divorce or the loss of a partner, and how they've learned to be comfortable in their own company.

Key Insights

• Lisette has generally been more comfortable doing things on her own, like going to the theatre or traveling, while Lucy took longer to embrace doing activities solo after her first marriage ended.

• The transition away from being part of a couple can be "discombobulating" as you have to redefine your sense of self and create new boundaries and ways of being in the world.

• Both friends have challenges with small talk and feeling anxious or self-conscious in certain social settings, like pubs or networking events. They share strategies they've learned, like asking questions to get the other person talking.

• The conversation delves into deeper issues of self-worth and needing external validation, stemming from their upbringings and family dynamics. Lucy and Lisette plan to continue growing and learning, rather than accepting limits based on their age.

• Learning to be comfortable in your own company develops over time, often as a result of life events that force you to reinvent yourself. Curiosity and a willingness to put yourself out there can help overcome feelings of self-consciousness.

Why You Should Listen

This episode provides a relatable and insightful look at the journey of self-discovery that can come with being single, independent, or working as a consultant or freelancer.

Lisette and Lucy's experiences and reflections offer valuable lessons for anyone navigating the joys and challenges of doing things independently, whether by choice or circumstance. Their conversation is both deeply personal and universally resonant. They invite listeners to share their own tips and experiences with navigating social situations and doing activities independently – particularly as women.

Join The Conversation

Do you enjoy your own company or have you learned to navigate solo activities by trial and error? Or do you always prefer to socialise or network with a partner or friend alongside?

If you have tips and tricks to help Lucy and Lisette - and others - be better at small talk or taking part in group activities alone, please tell us about them 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 of an engaging subject, 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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