This Queanbeyan podcast is challenging the way we think about ageing
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When Roz Townsend woke one morning three years ago and realised she was suddenly deaf in one ear, it felt like an ending.
A “freak occurrence” affecting roughly one in 5,000 people, the sudden hearing loss plunged Roz into a deep depression. As a former communications and teaching professional who had written multiple books about connecting effectively, she suddenly found herself struggling in the very realm she knew best.
Then one of her daughters suggested something that changed everything:
“Mum, you should do a podcast.”
With one-on-one conversations still manageable – especially after receiving a cochlear implant – podcasting turned out to be exactly what she needed.
It became a way for her to keep telling stories – this time focusing on people like her, whose stories often go untold until it’s too late.
She’s also using it to lead her own revolution against ageing.
Interviewing historians, scientists, authors, community leaders, and everyday Australians over 70 who continue to make meaningful contributions, Ageless with Roz is challenging the stereotypes of getting older.
Supported by UPSTAGEING Canberra, the podcast dives into everything from wills and estate planning to online dating, pet loss and even tarot and spirituality – all featuring recurring themes of aging, longevity, climate and social responsibility.
Roz says that she’s simply following her curiosity.
“If I’m interested in it, then I think someone else will be too,” she explains.
“Podcasting just seemed to be a great way to give me a chance to meet people, to really get to know them, listen to their stories, and to then share the stories…Nearly everybody has an incredible story. But for most of us, it doesn’t get aired or known by many people until after we’ve died.”
Roz Townsend.
Wanting to show that aging doesn’t slow people down – in fact, quite the opposite – her interviewees have included the founder of the Tarot Guild of Australia, pioneering cookbook writer Babette Hayes, Australian author Kathy Lette and chef, food author, restaurateur, and food manufacturer Maggie Beer.
Another highlight for her was speaking with British photographer (and son of Lee Miller) Tony Penrose.
With episodes ranging from 15 to 30 minutes, each conversation carries a simple message: aging is not an ending, but an opening.
“We’re such an important group as far as our level of wisdom goes,” explains Roz.
“Older people might not always have the energy or time to take the lead, but they can offer enormous support, mentoring and encouragement to younger people taking action.”
Roz admits that starting a podcast at the age of 70 was no easy task.
And while her primary audience is older listeners – people like her approaching or already in their seventies – she resists pinning it down too narrowly.
“I did originally call it 70+Roz because I’m technologically really challenged, and I thought that was a good idea…but the conversations are ageless,” she says.
“The message for older people is it’s not too late to take on a new challenge to keep your brain active and to meet new people. But the whole idea behind the podcast, is to be curious and connected – which is what I intend to do and encourage others to do.”
Reflecting a broader shift in how we talk about growing older – one focused on longevity rather than decline – Roz believes ageing is a privilege.
The key, she says, is giving it purpose.
You can listen to Ageless with Roz here.
