Age
82
Where do you live?
Near Criccieth, in N Wales
What do you do?
Retired GP
Tell us what it’s like to be your age?
It is fine. I appreciate that I have learned and experienced a lot and I have a lot to give to others. And am still learning.
What do you have now that you didn’t have at 25?
A large house and land in a beautiful rural location. A sense of knowing who I am and what I want from life. Financial security. A sense of my mortality. Anxiety about my health, fitness and vitality. An ability to relax and be less goal orientated.
What about sex?
My sexual energy is changing. My libido has diminished noticeably in the last year. I am still turned on and can enjoy physical intimacy, with and without clothes and with and without penetration, which I have to admit is not always possible these days. But playfulness and creativity more than compensates. And while on the subject it has taken me a lifetime to understand and appreciate the difference between men and women's sexual energies and how important foreplay is for women.
And relationships?
Relationships are more important to me now on all levels. I have more understanding how relationships need to be nurtured in order to grow and flourish. Honest communication is vital.
How free do you feel?
I am not sure I understand the concept of freedom. I feel less a slave to my thoughts than I used to.
What are you proud of?
That I have lived so many years and have overcome physical and mental challenges along the way.
What keeps you inspired
Hearing about other olders achievements.
When are you happiest?
When basking in the satisfaction of completing a challenging task successfully. Be it creating artwork, or some physical activity like wild swimming, rock climbing, felling and logging a tree that has fallen down or dying. I avoid killing them. And any DIY jobs that push me out of my comfort zone. And simply sitting enjoying the nature all around me where I live. When I am with my beloved and we share sweet intimate times. As well as spending time with my daughter and close friends.
And where does your creativity go?
Into art -sketching and painting. Also into problem solving.
What’s your philosophy of living?
I find that a difficult question to answer. I think because I don't naturally think about it. I desire and try to be a “good” person. That means doing to others as I would wish them to do to me. Also especially as my time is running out I want to make every moment of every day count.
And dying?
I would like to be in a state to relish the experience. Which means I want to be conscious and ready for it. I would like loved ones to be with me.
Are you still dreaming?
Yes, actually and metaphorically. I dream of a world where people live in peace and harmony with each other and all living creatures. That includes protecting the planet that sustains us.
What was a recent outrageous action of yours?
Actually nothing comes to mind despite the fact that I consider myself to be prone to outrageous acts. Perhaps a consequence for me of being old is that I have stopped being outrageous. Perhaps this label is how others see me but to me I am just me.
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