Learning How To Be Old

26. Still working at 77


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Introducing two remarkable women who are happily still working at 77. Liz Melchior's career has come full circle: she's back in the classroom, teaching primary school children after 20 years teaching adults. Helen Moulder continues to tour plays around New Zealand, including those featuring her much-loved comic character, Miss Cynthia Fortitude, the deluded opera singer. We chat, and I pick up some good tips on how they manage their stamina and work-life balance. Expect nothing, but be open to opportunities. Lots of joy and common sense in this episode!

Have you started thinking about retirement? That's an odd word, now that our work patterns are so different from the job-for-life model of the olden days. Those working at 77 are more visible these days. But sadly, in New Zealand the majority keep working out of necessity, because of the high cost of living. Liz and Helen feel lucky because they have opportunities to do work that they love, and work that can be tailored to their needs as they age. They don't take it for granted, either.

We're now into Season 3 of Learning How To Be Old. (Season 1 had a different name and may not be findable now.) If you click "Follow" when you're listening, you'll find out whenever a new episode is broadcast.

You may notice that the sound quality is lower than in other recent episodes. My bad! I was still using my first microphone, and learning on the job. But they are wonderful interviews, regardless.

Thanks for listening! I wouldn't be doing this otherwise.

More about working at 77 and beyond
  • Time Sensitive podcast. Malcolm Gladwell: On finding freedom in abandoning expectations
  • Alice Walker: Expect nothing
  • Pew Research: The growth of the older workforce 2023 (In USA).
  • Retirees work into 80s, 90s with ‘insufficient’ Super and snowballing living costs
  • ...more
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    Learning How To Be OldBy Rachel McAlpine

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