79: The 'D' Word with Pete Hill - Episode 79

79: The 'D' Word with Pete Hill - Episode 79

Dive into the 'D' Word podcast with Pete Hill as he chats with Ken Ditchwald, a leading gerontologist and founder of Age Wave. This episode is all about understanding the complexities of aging and the societal implications that come with it. Ken shares his journey from studying physics to becoming a key figure in gerontology, highlighting how aging is evolving in our modern world.

He discusses the outdated notion of retirement age and how it's high time we rethink our approach to ageing, especially considering today's longer life expectancies. Ken also touches on the challenges posed by dementia and Alzheimer's, sharing a personal story about his mother's battle with Alzheimer's and the emotional toll it took on his family. He argues that society's perception of aging needs a serious overhaul, pointing out how older individuals are now more active and influential than ever before.

From Tom Cruise doing his own stunts at 59 to Bruce Springsteen rocking stadiums at 74, Ken paints a picture of an aging population that's far from slowing down. If you're curious about how we can better support our aging population and want to hear some heartfelt stories along the way, this episode is a must-listen.