What does ageing well look like to you?

You have to prioritise your wellbeing. That means being physically well, but cognitively well too.

As Frances Valintine of the social learning community LoveHeart discussed on a recent Stretton Unfiltered podcast, many older women return to study to remain cognitively well and interested in the world around them.

I returned to university in my late fifties so RAW (Reclaim Another Women) would be taken seriously by the Department of Corrections. I established RAW in 2014 – it’s a rehabilitation and reintegration pathway for incarcerated women leaving prison.

In terms of physical wellbeing, a friend of mine passed away in his 70s. To celebrate his life, I decided to do something significant for my own health. I gave up sugar, which has made a huge difference to my wellbeing. And to ensure I move throughout my workday, I also use a standing desk at our head office.

What advice would you give people approaching retirement?

At this stage of my life, I cannot imagine preparing for retirement, if that means doing less rather than more. I believe there are possibly many of us aged 65 and over who feel the same way. I take inspiration from my mum. She retired last year at 86 after working with us for 25 years in a highly capable administration role.

My current mantra is to be curious, remain interesting and create opportunities for myself and others. I also respect that others may want to button back and become the main caregivers for their grandchildren. That is not my pathway. However, one of the things that truly brings me joy is spending time with my five grandchildren, for whom I'm a very present ‘Narnah’.

Pursue the things that bring you joy. Photography is something I have always loved as part of my artistic pathway, so I picked up the camera, became involved in local photography clubs and completed the Southern Institute of Technology’s New Zealand Diploma in Photography. I have also completed a master’s degree in photography and am currently studying for a postgraduate diploma in Māori Visual Arts at Massey University in support of our RAW work.

Why is staying interesting and having a purpose so important?

It is about remaining relevant as you age, by trying new things, which I believe is key.

I was developing a garden in our café courtyard at our headquarters and wondered, ‘What would it look like if I placed an entire dinner set in the garden?’

My garden creation then took on a completely artistic turn. I began finding an assortment of collectable plates and pushing them into the soil alongside the plants and other memorabilia from our 35 years in fashion. The result is a very cool Alice in Wonderland feel.

For me, whatever new project I approach, it is not simply about getting it done. It’s about asking how I can amplify the outcome.

If you have always been interested in floristry, photography, upholstery or any other creative or non-creative pursuit, perhaps this is the time to explore what’s available.

What’s your top advice for others on ageing?

Never become part of the “gonna-do” population. Too many people talk about what they are going to do, yet they never do it. Remove “gonna-do” from your thinking and, in the words of Nike, just do it.

When I am considering tackling a new project, I ask myself, “What is the worst thing that can happen?” Am I simply going to face failure, if it doesn’t work, or am I going to lose the family home? Once I put the risk into perspective, I decide how I’m going to move forward. It is never about the exit. It is all about the try.