The Future Age

Join Zannat Reza as she demystifies the complexity of aging in today's world. In this compelling episode of The Future Age, we delve into the captivating subject of aging, uncovering a side that is often unexplored in popular culture. The discussion kicks off with author Carl Honoré as they dissect the societal view of aging, revealing the nuances of the U-shaped happiness curve and how it drastically redefines our perception of happiness in older adulthood. The conversation spotlights the importance of a mindset shift, underlining the crucial role that society has in shaping narratives around aging. 

As the episode progresses, the discussion takes a more pragmatic turn with the entrance of Shirlee Sharkey, the former CEO of SE Health. Focused on the tangible aspect of aging, the conversation explores universal home care, shedding light on how societies can become more age-friendly. Sharkey emphasizes the need for home care, illustrating the potential of adopting successful international models. The discussion also addresses the challenges and criticisms of implementation, before rounding off with an insightful look into the potential future of aging. This episode of The Future Age not only enlightens but also offers a thought-provoking perspective on aging in the modern world.

Chapter Time Stamps:

(00:00:00) Episode Introduction  
Zannat Reza sets the stage for the episode and outlines the importance of rethinking aging. 

(00:04:05) The Impetus Behind “Bolder” with Carl Honoré 
Carl Honoré, acclaimed author, explains what inspired him to write “Bolder” and how the book changes our perception of aging. 

(00:06:30) A Deep Dive into the U-Shaped Happiness Curve 
Carl delves into the intriguing concept of the U-shaped happiness curve, discussing its implications for aging and personal growth. 

(00:09:30) Societal Perceptions of Aging: Debunking Misconceptions 
Carl and Zannat tackle the common misconceptions about aging in society and share insights about the true nature of aging. 

(00:12:45) The Unexpected Joys of Aging 
An exploration of how happiness can increase with age, breaking the common narrative of aging as a period of decline. 

(00:14:02) Positivity in Aging and Combating Ageism 
Zannat unveils the results of a National Institute on Aging survey and introduces a Canadian initiative aimed at combating ageism. 

( 00:15:00) The Future of Aging with Shirlee Sharkey 
An enlightening conversation with Shirlee Sharkey, former CEO of SE Health, about her book "Future of Aging" and the call for universal home care. 

(00:15:12) Rethinking the Approach to Aging 
Shirlee emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive approach to aging, considering the physical, social, and emotional aspects. 

(00:17:00) Barriers to Thriving in Old Age 
Shirlee identifies societal barriers that can impede older adults from thriving and leading independent lives. 

(00:18:23) The Case for Universal Home Care 
A discussion about the potential benefits of universal home care, with Denmark as a successful example. 

(00:20:00) Shifting to Integrated Support Models 
The discussion transitions to potential living models in Canada that could help older adults live at home longer, including the challenge of securing long-term funding. 

(00:22:30) Future of Aging: The Final 2 Questions 
Carl and Shirlee answer the final 2 future of aging questions we ask all our guests.  

• (00:00) - Episode Introduction
• (04:05) - The Impetus Behind “Bolder” with Carl Honoré
• (06:30) - A Deep Dive into the U-Shaped Happiness Curve
• (09:30) - Societal Perceptions of Aging: Debunking Misconceptions
• (12:45) - The Unexpected Joys of Aging
• (14:02) - Positivity in Aging and Combating Ageism
• (15:00) - The Future of Aging with Shirlee Sharkey
• (15:12) - Rethinking the Approach to Aging
• (17:00) - Barriers to Thriving in Old Age
• (18:23) - The Case for Universal Home Care
• (20:00) - Shifting to Integrated Support Models
• (22:30) - Future of Aging: The Final 2 Questions