Episode 21:10 Carl Honoré on the Tectonic Shift in Ageism Awareness.

In this episode of the Glowing Older podcast, host Nancy Griffin interviews Carl Honoré, a global keynote speaker and bestselling author, about the evolving landscape of ageism and the importance of embracing aging. They discuss the positive shifts in societal attitudes towards aging, the significance of intergenerational connections, and the role of mindfulness in living a fulfilling life. Honoré emphasizes the need for active resistance against ageism and the power of language in shaping perceptions. The conversation also touches on the potential of social media and AI in redefining aging and planning for a vibrant future.

About Carl

Carl Honoré is an award-winning writer, broadcaster and speaker. His bestselling books have been published in 35 languages. His second TED Talk is called Why We Should Embrace Ageing As An Adventure. Whether online or in person, Carl's keynotes and workshops are dynamic, inspiring, informative, and full of humor. His audiences range from business leaders, entrepreneurs and marketers to engineers, lawyers, and medical practitioners.

Carl’s latest book, Bolder, explores how we can age better and feel better about ageing. It’s a spirited takedown of ageism. Bolder was a BBC Radio 4 Book of the Week and a Reader’s Digest Book of the Month

Carl Honoré Links

TED TALK: In praise of ageing

TED TALK : In praise of slowness

Key Takeaways

• Outdated myths, assumptions and stereotypes box you in and limit possibilities. Throw off the shackles of the cult of youth and don’t pine for the past or shrink in horror from the future.
• Research suggests that one of the benefits of aging is that we get better at slowing down and being in the moment. We get better at focusing on one thing at a time and are less prone to multitasking.
• Mixing with different generations fosters understanding. When it comes to taking down the ageist industrial complex, mixing with other generations is at the top of the list.
• Language shapes our perceptions of aging. The soundtrack in your head affects how you age and how you feel about aging. Try to avoid terms like “senior moment” that reinforce negative stereotypes.
• It is important to be polite and civil on social media—especially in this incredibly polarized time. As soon as you get angry, you lose the argument and can turn people off.

• Life planning can help you find the future self that you aspire to be. Start living the “right” life for you instead of stumbling along an autopilot, which is what a lot of us are doing at many stages of our lives.
• We are at an inflection point in history with artificial intelligence. AI can be the ultimate wingman and co-pilot in later life with our database of experience and understanding.