What if ageing wasn't something to fear but something to finally - fiercely - embrace?

Jacinta Parsons is an ABC broadcaster, writer, public speaker and newly minted Doctor. She has lived with Crohn's disease for decades, navigated divorce, faced chronic illness and devastating loss, and now come through the other side not diminished but radically empowered. 

For her latest book, A Wisdom of Age, Jacinta interviewed women across Australia about the experience of ageing, and captured what we can learn from them to boldly rewrite the story of the second half of our lives.

In this episode of Human Cogs we talk with Jacinta about the hardwon learnings and unbridled freedom that can come with ageing: the shedding of “good girl” rules, the cultivation of our wilder versions of self and how life’s fractures and fragilities can also be surprising openings to new identities and big opportunities in the world. 

We talk about internalised ageism and the stories women are told about their bodies. We talk about what chronic illness teaches you about control, surrender and what actually matters. We talk about the difference between loneliness and solitude, and why learning to be happily alone with yourself might be one of the most important things you can do.

And we talk about wisdom - what it really means, how you cultivate it, and why the most interesting chapters of your life might be the ones you haven't written yet.

So pour yourself a cuppa, take a long walk under the sun or stars or lie your good self down and listen to this absolute wisdom of age from Jacinta Parsons.

Guest: Jacinta Parsons, ABC Broadcaster, writer and public speaker. She is the Co-host of ABC Melbourne’s The Friday Revue with Brian Nankervis and presents ABC Victorian Saturday Mornings.
Book: A Wisdom Of Age
Instagram: @jacintaparsons
Website: JacintaParsons.com

Hosts: Mads Hanger (Grummet) and Sabina Read
Producer: Our audio wizard is the beloved Daryl Missen

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