Embracing Spontaneity: How Aging Attitudes and Travel Plans Are Changing in 2026

Today’s conversation dives into the ever-evolving landscape of planning. 

On the back of the announcement that we are going back to Europe in September to run two Longevity Experiences (click here for Ikaria and here for Sardinia), we discuss how this never would have happened back in 2019. 

Long haul travel and spontaneity have rarely gone hand in hand. And global shifts—like the aftermath of COVID-19 and changes in consumer sentiment — are transforming not only the way we travel but the way we live our lives.

Gone are the days of 10 year visions and planning long haul trips 12 months in advance. We don’t know what’s happening in 6 months let alone 12, and as a result, we are determined to “live each day as if it’s our last” perhaps today more than ever. 

04:13 Consumer sentiment on travel and ageing

06:47 Impact of COVID on future planning

11:47 Shifts in Health Spending Behaviour

13:00 Flexible travel planning options

18:31 Wellness trends and longevity aspirations

In this episode, the conversation gets personal. Marcus opens up about his experience with scoliosis - both in himself and his daughter - and reflects on the ongoing balance between rehabilitation, strength, and self-care. Together, the hosts explore how to prioritize different areas of health and wellness when time and energy are limited, the significance of addressing small issues before they grow, and how even short daily habits can have a big impact. Using vivid analogies and real-life stories, they remind listeners that maintenance and prevention are the true keys to living a vibrant, healthy life—no matter your age.

In other news, we are running FOUR Longevity Experiences this year. 

Sardinia July 16-22

Ikaria September 8-14

Sardinia September 16-22

Okinawa October 17-23

For details, availability and to apply to join us go to www.100notout.com

04:26 Importance of proper rehab

06:35 Importance of muscle rehabilitation

12:14 Overcoming pain struggles

15:47 Discussing recurring body dysfunctions

20:57 Always keeping the petrol tank full

What does it mean to embrace risk as we get older? From long-haul travel to the stories of our recent guest Chris Hobson - who has run over a hundred marathons post-retirement— and lessons from longevity legends like Sister Madonna Buder, we dive deep into the importance of not letting fear or "playing it safe" shrink your world. 

Whether it's keeping the spark alive with coffee, wine, and chocolate, or staying strong enough to climb ladders and chase new adventures, this episode challenges the stereotype of aging and encourages you to add more to life, not subtract. As always, get ready to be inspired to make the rest of your life the best of your life!

We are running FOUR Longevity Experiences this year. 

Sardinia July 16-22

Ikaria September 8-14

Sardinia September 16-22

Okinawa October 17-23

For availability and to apply to join us go to www.100notout.com

03:32 Balancing risk with playing safe

09:13 Maintaining habits to avoid decline

12:44 Embracing urgency with age

14:15 Improving strength and balance

Photo by Kamil Pietrzak on Unsplash

Today we meet a woman who completely rewrote the script on ageing.

After retiring from her career as a school headteacher at age 60, Chris Hobson didn’t slow down — she sped up. What began as a commitment to get healthier in retirement turned into a decade-long adventure that saw her complete more than 100 marathons across all seven continents.

And at 69 years old, Chris achieved something extraordinary: completing the Antarctic Ice Marathon in temperatures colder than most freezers, becoming the oldest woman to finish the event.

But this conversation isn’t just about endurance, medals or marathon times. It’s about identity after retirement, challenging society’s expectations of older women, and proving that our later decades can become some of the boldest, most adventurous and purpose-filled years of our lives.

For more on Chris see her on Instagram

For more on our Blue Zone Longevity Experiences, click here for Sardinia and here for Ikaria. Email [email protected] to find out more about Okinawa. 

00:40 Discovering the 100 marathons club

04:03 Joining the running club

11:21 Becoming marathon tourists

15:39 Discussing nutrition and longevity

19:29 Running progress over a week

23:48 Starting on TikTok with granddaughter

27:19 Age diversity in audience interest

Today’s guest is Ken Harris - a former chef whose career in hospitality began back in 1971, when becoming a chef in Australia was far from the glamorous or popular career path it can seem today. Over decades in the kitchen, Ken worked with people from all over the world, built a long career in hospitality, and worked in places including the Hyatt at Sydney’s Kings Cross and the Hilton Hotel. 

But retirement didn’t mean stepping away from purpose.

After moving with his wife into AVEO’s Shortland Waters village during the COVID years, Ken noticed something important: many people entering retirement lacked confidence in the kitchen, and with that came questions about independence, health, connection, and even identity. What started as a small men’s cooking group in 2021 soon evolved into regular community dinners for dozens of residents — creating not just meals, but friendships, belonging, and purpose.

Now, through his writing and community work, Ken is helping older Australians build confidence in the kitchen and rethink what ageing well can look like — one meal, one conversation, and one shared table at a time.

Find Ken’s recipes and more info at https://seniorsinthekitchen.com/

06:02 Starting a men's cooking group

13:55 How Cooking fosters community 

19:51 Adjusting to retirement cooking routine

21:26 Discussing Ken's passion for cooking

24:46 Preparing a delicious appetizerFor more on 100 Not Out go to www.100notout.com

Today Marcus shares his recent experience with strength training, nutrition changes, and his very first DEXA scan. We then put the spotlight on Damo as we ask him everything around body fat percentage, bone density, metabolic rate, and the often-overlooked dangers of visceral fat. 

Damo provides his expert insights on measuring health progress, the impact of macronutrients, and why sustainable change matters more than short-term results. Whether you’re curious about body composition metrics or just looking for practical tips to optimize your health as you age, this episode is packed with wisdom, inspiration, and as always a touch of attempted humour.

05:40 Measuring body composition results

We had the recent exhilarating experience of going go karting with residents from Aveo Bayview Gardens — a retirement village defying all stereotypes about growing older. 

With drivers as old as 87 burning rubber like Piastri, our time with this wonderful was another reminder that age is truly just a number. Through stories of competition, community, connection, and courage, we share what it truly means to keep living life to the fullest at every stage. 

The question to ask yourself out of today’s episode - What am I doing to defy the ageing stereotype? Compare your age to what’s “expected” of you, and consider what you’re doing to break those expectations. 

Thanks again to everyone at Aveo Bayview Gardens for having us. 

01:00 Elders trying adventurous activities

This week we celebrate the milestone 100th birthday of legendary broadcaster David Attenborough and discuss the inspiring lives of celebrity centenarians like Dick Van Dyke. We reflect on how these remarkable individuals serve as mentors for positive aging, the importance of optimism and purpose, and the power of growing through life’s challenges. And just how good is it when good news takes over bad news - congratulations Sir David on reaching 100 Not Out!

00:00 David Attenborough's 100th birthday celebration

This week we finally dig into a topic close to our hearts – and our dirty hands: gardening.

Inspired by Damo’s love of gardening and more than a decade of visiting the European Blue Zones of Ikaria and Sardinia, we explore why gardening is touted by Blue Zones founder Dan Buettner as the number one longevity exercise. From tales of tomato triumphs and generational gardening wisdom to the mental, physical, and social benefits of tending to a garden, this conversation is a celebration of green thumbs, community spirit, and the simple joys of growing your own food. Whether you’re a novice with a single pot or a veteran with a backyard full of veggies, tune in for tips, laughs, and plenty of inspiration to get your hands in the dirt and make gardening part of your exceptional life.

02:00 Finally dedicating an episode to gardening

For more on Damo go to www.damiankristof.com

For more on Marcus go to www.marcuspearce.com.au

For more on 100 Not Out go to www.100notout.com

Today we review the last two episodes on the modern landscaping of health testing. We’ve been joined by Dr Nik Alexopoulos from Everlab, and on this episode we discuss how our views on health, responsibility, and longevity have matured, while also acknowledging that many still make poor lifestyle choices. The chat dives into the importance of personal responsibility in health, the need for systemic change, and the power of compelling personal motives—whether it’s playing golf, beating your kids at table tennis, or trekking across countries in your 80s. Plus, we want your requests for future topics including blood pressure, weight loss approaches, men’s and women’s health, and more.

Email us – [email protected] or [email protected]

08:05 Balancing fun and responsibility

For more on Damo go to www.damiankristof.com

For more on Marcus go to www.marcuspearce.com.au

For more on 100 Not Out go to www.100notout.com