Can Saying Yes Transform Your 60s? Liz Kay Reveals Her Life-Changing Adventures
Hello there, and thank you for tuning in to another inspiring episode of "Retirement Rebel". It's Siobhan Daniels here, and I'm so glad you're joining me today. In this episode, I'm chatting with the amazing Liz Kay, a true testament to living life boldly after 60. Now, let's dive into what you can expect from our conversation.
Firstly, we'll explore Liz Kay's invigorating dedication to surf lifesaving, a passion she's pursued actively since her mid-50s. If you've ever felt the yearning for the ocean or the thrill of trying something new, you'll love hearing Liz talk about her experiences of winning world championship medals. Her story highlights how it's never too late to dive into new adventures and chase after those dreams, especially the ones that seem daunting at first.
We'll also get into the fascinating journey of Liz's recent honeymoon adventure with her new husband. Picture this: biking thousands of miles, surfboards in tow. It's not just about the physical challenge; it's about the connection you build with yourself and your partner when embarking on such a unique journey. If you've ever found yourself yearning for exploration and the open road, this part of Liz's life will resonate deeply with you.
Lastly, Liz shares insights about embracing life at a crossroads, a point many of us face as we enter our 50s and beyond. It's about taking stock, asking the pivotal questions about your purpose, and then deciding to live life with enthusiasm and boldness. Her experiences affirm that this stage of life is not just about winding down but is a time ripe with potential for growth and newfound passions.
So, grab a cup of tea, make yourself comfortable, and let’s uncover the possibilities of life after 60 together with the extraordinary Liz Kay. I hope this episode will not only inspire you but also encourage you to rethink what's possible in your own journey. Enjoy the conversation!
Key Points:
00:00 - Introduction to Liz Kay: Embracing Life After 60 In this episode, I introduce my guest Liz Kay, who embodies living life to the fullest in her 60s. She shares her adventures and achievements, including winning world championship medals in surf life saving.
01:35 - Adventurous Spirit from Childhood Liz recounts how her adventurous spirit was sparked in her youth through camping and outdoor activities, encouraged by her parents and supportive community leaders like her guide leader.
04:08 - Career Path and Academia Liz reflects on her academic choices and how, despite a career in botany, her interests always leaned towards outdoor activities and adventures, highlighting the crossroads many face when choosing career paths at a young age.
08:58 - Facing Challenges and Embracing Change Liz discusses the significant life changes in her late 40s and 50s, navigating menopause, a divorce, and her determination to say 'yes' more often to life's opportunities, leading her to transformative experiences.
13:35 - Rediscovering Passion Through Surf Life Saving Liz shares how joining a surf lifesaving club helped her rediscover joy and community, inspiring her to compete and win in national competitions, and how the club's inclusive spirit attracted more participants.
15:58 - Breaking Age Barriers in Sports We discuss how age categories in competitions encourage participation, with Liz and her team demonstrating that age is no barrier to competitive success, a sentiment that resonates with many of our listeners.
20:54 - Cycling Adventures and Honeymoon Exploration Liz recounts her recent honeymoon adventure, cycling over 3,500 miles with her husband, proving that remarkable feats and adventures are achievable at any age with the right mindset and preparation.
27:00 - The Importance of Staying Active and Community Support Highlighting the importance of community and staying active, Liz explains how her environment in Bude fosters longevity and happiness amongst its community members, inspiring women to embrace life boldly.
34:43 - Encouragement and Advice for Women Over 60 Liz offers advice for women facing menopause and life changes, encouraging them to embrace new opportunities and remain active in their communities as a way to cultivate happiness and fulfilment.
37:00 - Inclusivity and Positive Ageing I wrap up our conversation by underlining the overarching theme of our discussion: that through positive ageing and breaking stereotypes, women can redefine their post-60 years as a time of empowerment and adventure.
Guest info
Links and Resources
- Surf Life Saving GB
- Martin Dorey (Liz's husband and author)
- Roscoff, France (cycling starting point)
- Sagres, Portugal (cycling endpoint)
- Butt of Lewis (location in Scotland relative to seaweed baths)
- Electric bikes
- Cold Water Swimming
- Jo Mosley (paddleboarded the Leeds Liverpool Canal)
- Centre for Ageing Better (campaign against ageism)
Quotes
Finding Solace in Community:
"I think made me feel there was somewhere to go and escape to and talk to these people on a Sunday night and just forget all the stuff going on at home and just enjoy that, really."
Inclusive Evolution in Surf Life Saving:
"I think it's had a really interesting effect on surf life-saving championships because I think other clubs took the same route and saw us having fun, saw us including everybody, not just the elite athletes, and encouraging everyone to come and join in."
The Key to Longevity and Happiness:
"The more active you are, the longer you live and the happier you are."
Website: www.retirementrebel.co.uk
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Instagram: Matt - Producer
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Copyright 2025 Siobhan Daniels
Mentioned in this episode:
Partnering to Challenge Ageism Together
We’re thrilled to partner with the Centre for Ageing Better to support their Age Without Limits campaign. This inspiring initiative challenges stereotypes and champions the idea that ageing should be celebrated, not limited by societal views. Discover more and join the movement at agewithoutlimits.org.
