Welcome to the latest episode of "Retirement Rebel," where together we explore the vibrant possibilities that life after 60 can offer. I’m Siobhan Daniels, and I’m genuinely thrilled to have you here with me as we dive into stories that challenge what retirement traditionally looks like. This week, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Carol Easton, OBE. We kicked off our conversation by exploring her incredible work with the Centre For Ageing Better, which is running a campaign to combat ageism. It's a cause that's close to my heart, as I personally believe in pushing forward the boundaries on age-related stereotypes, which Carol is doing so passionately. She shares how her role is not just about supporting individuals but about changing systems and attitudes at large—a topic that I'm sure resonates with many of you who have faced similar challenges in the workforce or society.

Secondly, we delved into Carol’s inspiring career journey, which spans work in mental health and various roles in the voluntary sector. What makes Carol truly unique is her rebellious spirit—a quality that she believes has fuelled her ability to champion campaigns and ideas that bring lasting change. Her determination and drive have allowed her to integrate personal satisfaction with professional impact—a synergy many of us strive for as we redefine retirement. As you tune in, I hope you find inspiration in Carol’s experiences as a mental health practitioner and her transition into impactful roles that pave the way for new opportunities for people at all stages of life.

Lastly, Carol and I explored how deeply entrenched ageism is in our society and how it can affect us all, from subtle stereotypes to more overt discrimination. It's a reality that many of us have encountered, whether in our personal or professional lives, and one that Carol is ardently working to dismantle through her campaigns. We talked about the importance of not internalising these stereotypes and instead fostering a culture that values every age bracket for its unique contributions. I believe these discussions are key to encourageing a positive discourse about ageing and redefining what it means to live boldly after 60.

01:36 - Reflecting on Sian Davis' Journey I briefly revisit last week's episode with Sian Davis, who is preparing to row around mainland UK and become the oldest woman to do so. She highlights the importance of resilience and encourages women not to self-limit as they age.

01:46 - Welcoming Carol to the Discussion Carol Easton joins me, and we dive right into discussing her work at the Centre For Ageing Better, which aims to combat ageism and improve opportunities for people to age well.

02:38 - The Challenge of Ageism We discuss how ageism negatively impacts individuals and society, emphasising the Centre's three-year campaign to combat it. Carol describes the importance of changing attitudes and systems to provide everyone the opportunity to age better.

02:54 - Carol's Career and Personal Motivation Carol shares her early career journey in London, her initial work in mental health, and how her desire to make a meaningful impact has driven her work, particularly in empowering children and young people.

06:45 - Transitioning to Aging Advocacy Carol talks about her transition to working with the Centre For Ageing Better, driven by a desire to address systemic issues affecting older populations and challenge societal assumptions around ageing.

08:10 - Addressing Ageism in Society We delve into the pervasive nature of ageism, where Carol provides insights into its presence in the workplace, healthcare, and broader societal attitudes, calling for noticeable change and action.

11:32 - The Impact of Ageist Stereotypes Carol explains how ageist stereotypes harm economic...