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The Invisible Age

The Invisible Age: Episode 3: Let Yourself Go

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Episode 3

Episode 3: Let Yourself Go

Let Yourself Go

BBC Radio 4 - The Invisible Age, Let Yourself Go

Matthew Sweet urges us to rethink old age as an opportunity and worthy destination.

How should we think about old age? Matthew Sweet encourages us to view it as an achievement and seeks to discover what people gain in the so-called 'fourth age'.

News reports about increased longevity invariably come with warnings and worries. Matthew Sweet asks whether we could turn society's pessimism about our increasing old age into an opportunity to gain a new perspective on life.

He spends time with some of the oldest and greatest thinkers, who share with him their insights on ageing. He travels to talk to writers who use their old age to write about the privileged vantage point they enjoy.

In the midst of a public conversation about old age which centres on the cost and loss of a long life, Matthew talks to people in their 80s and 90s about the gains that old age can bring. Matthew likens his conversations with the so called 'oldest-old' to meeting explorers of a new territory. He is curious to ask them what they can share with us about the things they have learnt and the things they can see.


Produced by Catherine Carr
A Loftus production for BBC Radio 4.

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Matthew Sweet explores why society is still so reluctant to talk about ageing.

Matthew Sweet presents a series that explores why society is still so reluctant to talk about ageing.

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The Invisible Age

Episode 3: Let Yourself Go

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