54. Tips from a centenarian: a mantra against falling, a system, and gratitude. With Doris Carnevali
Learning How To Be OldShow Notes
I enjoy reading tips from a centenarian about why they've lived so long and stayed so perky. Now well over 100, Doris Carnevali devised an original system for tackling the never-ending problems of daily life in extreme old age, and reasons for gratitude.
Whether you are almost old, already old, or never-gonna-be-old, she is my role model for positive ageing. I'm sharing three key chapters from my book based on her blog, The Sturdy Centenarian.
A simple mantra to stop herself from falling
her ABC for meeting the everyday challenges of very old age
And some surprising things to be grateful for, in spite of extreme old age and even because of it.
Usually when very old people are asked for tips on aging, they give varied and specific advice from their own experience. Tips like “stay young at heart” or "stay curious" or "keep dancing" or “marry a good wife.” Doris Carnevali does give advice, although she thinks of herself as a guide, not a teacher. She also also offers a practical, pretty straightforward system for dealing with the challenges that crop up every day when you become very old.
This short episode was first broadcast in November 2024.
Rich advice from 100 centenarians (The Guardian, 23 February 2023)
More from Learning How To Be Old
Walking with old bodies can change so slowly that we hardly notice. When we are old, we are tempted to walk with extreme caution, shrinking the natural movements of our legs, ankles, arms, head and eyes. We might assume, perhaps subconsciously, that small careful stiff tight shuffling steps are safer: but the opposite is true. Similar symptoms affect people with a condition much more serious than mere old age: Parkinson's Disease. Jennifer consciously fights this tendency, and so can we, even if we're lucky enough to be healthy.
Pinky Agnew, a much-loved New Zealand comedian, entertainer, and funeral celebrant, talks with Rachel McAlpine (me) about managing friendships in old age. Midlife is a good time to consider your friendships and what lies ahead. Is fear of loneliness a factor in your private FOGO (Fear Of Getting Old)?
We all hit obstacles with our computers and smartphones and tablets, but IT issues in later life can seem especially tricky. That might be partly because of normal age-related changes like arthritis, poor eyesight, or short term memory failings. Or it might be because we've retired, because at work we might have had an IT team to call on.
I've never seen hockey cited as an easy or safe sport for seniors, but Di Jordan, 69, plays on with wisdom and a wild joy. Don't stop, she says.
Are you a bit skeptical about spirituality? Do you wonder whether you even have a spiritual life? And whether this might help you in old age? Michael Fitzsimons, a wise and open-minded poet, cancer survivor and former trainee-priest, explores spirituality for skeptics, beginners and believers alike.