...hear from people who have truly seen it all. I'm Too Old For This asks the uncomfortable, inspiring and frequently thought about (but never asked) questions of people who've been there and done that.
Join our range of hosts as they answer questions such as:
And more! Join us for a joyous interlude full of good feelings, wisdom and humour. Because the reality is, we're never too old for anything.
They’re often reduced to a statistic or anecdote, however behind the news story or punchline is a part of our community with a lot left to give. Getting older comes with a lot of stereotypes, you know the ones; life begins to slow down, you can’t learn new things or that the fun and excitement of life is over. We're grabbing those misconceptions by the horns and discussing what it’s really like to age.
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Getting older is an integral facet of the human condition, something philosophers have been discussing since the dawn of time. As Ancient Roman philosopher Cicero mused, ‘every stage of human life, except the last is marked out by certain and defined limits; old age alone has no precise and determinate boundary.’
So let’s take advantage of being limitless and ignore our age. Here is a quick collection of how our community are learning new skills:
We spend our youth fascinated by it. It’s new, exciting and it connects us to those we’re attracted to. However, it’s something we stop talking about it as we get older. Even though we don’t stop doing it! Buckle up, because we are chatting sex and intimacy. And it doesn’t sound anything like your parent’s birds and the bees talk.
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According to Google Trend and Optenet, between 13 – 20% of all web search volume relates to sex and intimacy. So, while it’s a quietly discussed topic, it’s an incredibly ‘searched’ one. Including by our older community members.
A 2017 report from La Trobe University titled Sex, Age & Me explored the sexual experiences of over 2,000 Australians aged over 60. One key finding from the study described how older Australians learn about sex in later life. As many older Australians had little exposure to sex education when young, they often sought information in later life from the internet and health care providers.
Less than half of older heterosexual Australians reported they were very or extremely satisfied with their intimate life. When they study asked how their sexual lives could be improved, many participants discussed the need to normalise the diversity of sexual expression and desire in later life.
So have the birds and the bees talk! Just make sure to include your parents and grandparents too.
Episode TranscriptWe often hear that friendships are the family we choose, and as we get older, these connections become more important than ever. But what does friendship really mean as we age? How do our relationships change, grow, or fade over time? Buckle up, because we’re diving into the topic of friendship—its challenges, its joys, and why it’s so crucial in our golden years.
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In the 1930s, researchers began to track a range of men living in Boston to discover the answer to one our most commonly pondered questions – what makes us happy?
What resulted is the longest running, ongoing study into adult development. In 2023 the study released a book of their findings called The Good Life: Lessons From the World’s Longest Scientific Study of Happiness.
So what was their advice for a happier life?
The Harvard team had discovered that the key to a long, happy life isn’t diet, exercise or achievement. The greatest factor in happiness and a good life? Good relationships.
So we’re encouraging all listeners to take this episode as a reminder to reach out to their friends or family.
Episode TranscriptSometimes it can feel like we are already living in The Jetson’s. Artificial intelligence is almost on our doorstep, cars are now electric, and the Matrix feels more like reality than fiction. So, what does the future look like, when you’ve lived through the past, present and future? Is the best truly yet to come?
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In 2013, Professor Hal Hershfield released a study after asking the question, do we really think of our older selves as strangers? And can seeing a visual representation of our older self lead to better decision making in the present?
The study found that people presented with a digitally altered picture of their older self were twice as likely to allocate money into a retirement fund and save almost 2% more on average.
The results even went beyond just financial planning and showed an improvement in ethical behaviour when people felt connected to their future selves.
So it may pay dividends to have one eye on the future and one eye on the present.
Episode TranscriptNothing is more certain than death and taxes. It’s the final act of what we hope are long and happy lives. Dying is a reality we all face, yet it’s a conversation many of us avoid. So we’re going to face down the unknown; what happens when we die, how would we like to die and how can talking about it lead to a more meaningful life?
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As Haruki Murakami wrote, ‘death is not the opposite of life, but a part of it.’
Talking about death can be scary and confronting. However, it is one of the most important discussions you will ever have in your life.
Making end of life decisions and documenting them in an Advance Care Plan is one of the most empowering actions you can take. The plan allows carers and clinical teams to speak openly to family and friends about your wishes.
They can include anything which can make someone feel safe and loved, beyond the medical. Whether that be people, pets, smells or even music.
Episode TranscriptHave you thought about your death? No? Not many people have. And by the time people are ready to talk about it, its often too late. We’ve recently discussed our final passing and how talking about it can lead to a more meaningful life. However, what happens when you begin to die? What is end of life or palliative care? Who looks after you, and what is a good death?
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In the Harry Potter story The Tale of the Three Brothers, the youngest of three brothers was able to greet Death at a great age ‘as an old friend, departing this life as equals.’
So how do we ensure we are able to pass the veil on our own terms?
One key way, is through an Advanced Care Plan.
An Advance Care Plan is a guide for your aged care residence, carers, loved ones and medical team to make decisions about your care when you can no longer participate. They give you a chance to decide what matters most to you now, and what will matter to you if your health declines.
Brightwater’s Research Centre has been working with the University of New South Wales and Neuroscience Research Australia on a study called EARLI.
The project aims to help Australians aged 65 or over get a head start on advance care planning using a participants life story.
Having an Advanced Care Plan ensures families can focus on spending time with loved ones, rather than answering clinical team questions or trying to make big decisions.
Episode TranscriptIf you would like to get in contact with I'm Too Old For This email [email protected]
Meet Cath, Brightwater’s fearless leader and a true visionary, always buzzing with fresh ideas for the future. First and foremost a nurse, she’s got a heart of gold, a mind that never stops ticking and a rare gift – she knows every name and never forgets a face. She loves a good outdoor movie, sneaks a sweet treat in the arvo and dreams of running a saffron farm one day. When she’s not speed-reading or diving into research, she’s sipping French champagne, catching up with mates or heading down south for a getaway. A social butterfly, big thinker and absolute gem – you’re in good hands with this one!
A true wordsmith, Rob’s enjoyed a bright career in copywriting and has embraced technology to stay on top as the years went by. His body might give him a bit of grief, but his mind is still as sharp as ever, especially when it comes to showing off his legendary sense of humour and storytelling ability. Rob ran his own business and has a bucketload of stories to share. Rob’s also a trivia nut, frequently sneaking off for his nightly quiz fix. With long-term friendships that have stood the test of time, Rob is raw, honest, and never afraid to dress up “just because.”
Vina is a lively 90-year-old with a tonne of life experience and energy to match! She’s still hitting the gym multiple times a week, proving age is just a number. A born explorer, she’s travelled the globe and shows no signs of slowing down. Originally from Portugal, Vina spent her career as an accountant and secretary. A great listener with a warm presence, she’s always ready to offer a kind word. Traditional in many ways but always eager to learn, she’s currently picking up crocheting — because why not? A proud mum of one, Vina is living proof that it’s never too late to try something new.
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Whether in your own home, or one of ours, we keep you connected to what matters most, in the communities you belong so you can thrive.
As specialists in acquired and progressive neurological conditions we support people living with Brain Injuries, Dementia, and Huntington's Disease to reach their full potential. Designing bespoke programs and world leading homes including BrightRespite, Piara Waters Huntington's Disease and Oats Street brain rehabilitation, to provide innovative care and a pathway to greater independence.
We are the only WA aged care and disability provider with a dedicated Research Centre – a hub of discovery and innovation, collaborating with national and international universities to find innovative solutions to improve the quality of lives of our clients.
For over 100 years, we’ve been there for West Australians from all walks of life. With humble beginnings in Subiaco, today we provide services all across Perth.
