Growing Old Disgracefully

On 16^th July, The Book Club is bringing together an eccentric panel of older people to teach, entertain and challenge how we, as a nation, view the ageing population. They will be hosting a panel discussion on the benefits of bringing generations together, with their panellists sharing anecdotes and advice on how they’re living life to its fullest.

Showing a positive shift in how older people view themselves, recent research as part of Age UK’s* Love Later Life campaign revealed that two thirds (63%) of those aged between 55 and 64 view living longer as a chance to ‘seize the moment’ and make the most of their later years, and 1 in 5 Brits will be aged 65 and over by 2020, and this growing number of older people is a cause for celebration (source: Age UK website, 2014). As well as this, multi-generational living is on the rise, making it even timelier to encourage the young and old to swap ideas and inspiration whilst the opportunity presents itself.

The panel discussion will challenge the idea that ageing is a sickness, talk about the meaning that every stage of life holds, and prove that age is nothing but a number. 

Panelists:

• Lynn Ruth Miller - at age 77, Lynn Ruth is a renaissance woman. She became an author aged 67, a stand-up comedian at 70 and a cabaret performer at 71. Dubbed the new Joan Rivers of Fringe Comedy at The Edinburgh International Fringe, and winning many awards for her writing and comedy, Lynn Ruth will bring comedy and class to the discussion.
• Martine Shackerley-Bennett – having had a sex change just over 3 years ago, multi-talented Martine is, at the age of 70, a playwright, director, lecturer, project organiser and therapist. Over the last few years Martine has written her biography, 'The Hidden Years’ detailing her experience of the sex change, a novel on conspiracies called 'Secrets' and is currently working on a surrealist novel.
• Barbara and Ron – Barbara and Ron fell in love at 80. They ballroom dance as much as possible, and recently danced at the opening of the Rugby Cup in Twickenham. They have had all kinds of adventures which they will be sharing with us, as well as advice on how to never lose your joie de vivre. 
• The NANA Café is one of the most-loved additions to East London’s culinary scene. Owner Katie Harris will be speaking about her work helping older women engage within their communities. Nana Café recruit women over the age of 60 who are isolated in the community and give them work.

After the panel discussion the wonderful band City Ramblers Revival (with some members having played together since the 60’s) will close the evening while you have a chance to dance to their skiffle sounds or chat to each other and the panellists.

Make sure you bring your parents, your grandparents and all your older pals!