If you think old age is a bummer, please meet George Robertson: 10th Secretary General of NATO, former UK Minister of Defence, peace and security powerhouse who led the campaign to ban handguns in the UK.
George is 80 years old, so you might think his most active, impactful years are behind him. Not at all! He recently led the UK’s major strategic defence review, called out UK Prime Minister Kier Starmer for poor performance, is Chancellor of the University of Dundee, an active member of the House of Lords, UK Parliamentarians for Multilateral Nuclear Disarmament and Non-Proliferation, Clan Donnachaidh Society, Chatham House, and – since he was almost blown up in a car crash involving 45kg of explosives and a box of detonators – the FIA Foundation for road safety.
He’s a good friend who writes lovely emails, with beautiful photographs of the Highlands of Scotland. Yes, he’s a keen photographer too; a devoted husband, father, and Grandfather.
As I work to rebuild a life after radical cancer treatment, I am inspired by examples of people living fabulous, active, lives well into their advanced years – think of Mick Jagger, Paul McCartney, Bob Dylan, John Fogerty, Paul Simon, Mavis Staples still touring (and bringing the house down!) well into their ‘80s. Brilliant!
Who says the story of ageing is one of decline and departure from action and impact? How about we commit to long lives of agency and enjoyment!? That’s my plan. . . join me?