Who Says Old?

Engaging in volunteer activities after retirement supports health and has a positive impact both on the person offering their services and on the community that benefits. Simone, 74, shares her experience as a tour guide, which allows her to pass on her passion for history to curious visitors of all ages, eager to discover the hidden treasures of her city.

Even though social connections and physical fitness may decline with age, retirement can also be the perfect time to enjoy activities you love. Roger and Arlette know this well: they share their passion for tango, salsa, and rock’n’roll, which they practice regularly—both solo in their living room and with fellow dancers at social events!

As we age, complications such as reduced mobility can limit daily activities. But where can one find support to overcome physical and emotional challenges? How can we stay active—both physically and socially—in ways suited to our abilities? Michel shares the unique resources he has discovered, including a shared housing program with students, developed by the University of Geneva.

The anxiety of falling ill and the fear of death are emotions that can intensify with age and affect overall well-being. Françoise explains how important it is to acknowledge these feelings so they don’t take hold and disrupt daily life. From “deadly coffee” to creative activities, discover the ways she has found to express and come to terms with them.

The opportunity to relax, take care of oneself, and cultivate personal passions… these are all positive expectations tied to an important stage of life: retirement. But how can we best prepare for this transition? How should we fill all this available time? Does it involve “redefining” ourselves as individuals or as a couple? Jürg and Denise Rose share their experience.

Living means changing and… aging. Many changes are not always easy to accept, especially in a society still very focused on youth and appearance. Let’s meet Christine, who has found a playful way to maintain self-confidence: performing characters on stage, exercising her memory and gestures, laughing and having fun with her theater troupe—activities that, as she explains, help her “stay young.”

A caregiver dedicates a large part of their time to supporting a loved one with health or independence challenges. To sustain this role over the long term, it is essential to find ways to recharge and prevent burnout and isolation. Michel, 84, cares for his wife Arlette, who has Alzheimer’s. He shares how, thanks to love, his passion for cooking, and a few tips and tricks, he manages to cope with this new situation.

Medication use can increase with age, whether due to grief, sleep disorders, chronic pain, or anxiety. However, other resources exist to support mental and physical well-being. Jackie realized this early on, and through movement—particularly yoga—she discovered a practice that enhances both her mood and overall bodily function.

Transitioning into retirement often means a decrease in income. Leisure budgets shrink, and unexpected expenses can strain finances. These financial challenges can be a source of stress. In this episode, Patricia, known as “Pepette,” shares how, despite limited finances and health concerns, she has found various strategies to maintain an active social life and enjoy small pleasures, such as traveling.