What Drives Sian Davis to Challenge Ageist Stereotypes Through Adventurous Rowing?

Welcome to this episode of "Retirement Rebel: Life After 60." I'm Siobhan Daniels, and today I'm thrilled to delve into a conversation that embodies the spirit of adventurous living and redefining life post-retirement. If you're like me, interested in unearthing stories that challenge the typical narratives around ageing, you're in the right place.

Our journey today begins by meeting the fabulous Sian Davis, who embraces the moniker "Old Bird in a Boat." From the moment I met Sian at an adventure festival and heard her enthusiasm about becoming the oldest woman to row around mainland UK, I knew her story was one our listeners would love. This episode is about breaking down stereotypes and celebrating those who defy traditional expectations—exactly the kind of content that ignites a spark in our Retirement Rebel community.

During our chat, Sian shares her personal history, growing up with an adventurous spirit in the countryside, and how this laid the foundation for her later challenges, including being one of only six women over 60 to have rowed the Atlantic. Her story is a testament to living with vigour and embracing who you are, rather than conforming to how society might expect you to slow down with age. For those of us keen on adventure and self-discovery, Sian’s tale will resonate deeply.

Lastly, as we explore Sian's experiences outside of boating, we celebrate the notion of exploring new hobbies and macho pursuits—like motorcycling—in later life. With her fleet of motorbikes, including a Harley and a Triumph Thunderbird, Sian's passion for riding serves as an empowering reminder that life after 60 can be filled with the thrills of youthful exploration. These themes speak to our shared belief in ageing positively and the idea that retirement is not an ending but a beginning to refire and pursue passions with an unyielding sense of adventure.

Thank you for joining us as we uncover stories that remind us of the boundless possibilities available in our retirement years.

Key Points:

00:51 - Redefining Ageing with Alex Rotas Reflecting on last week's conversation with Alex Rotas, I discuss the ageist language surrounding "looking younger" and how both Alex and I believe in embracing and documenting an active and healthy ageing process.

02:23 - Meeting Sian Davies Sian joins the conversation, and I'm thrilled to introduce her to our listeners. As an advocate for positive ageing, Sian shares her pride in her achievements and emphasises the importance of reclaiming the narrative around being "old."

03:36 - Sian’s Adventurous Childhood Sian takes us back to her childhood in the Mendip Hills, Somerset, where her adventurous spirit began. Growing up isolated in the countryside, she found joy in creating her own adventures and exploring nature.

04:40 - Balancing Career and Caring Roles Sian talks about her journey into a career in sport and leisure, focusing on getting older people active. Her life took a turn as she became a carer for her parents, illustrating the common experience of balancing career ambitions with family responsibilities.

08:09 - The Cost of Caring Sian shares how her role as a carer impacted her personal and adventurous pursuits, describing the frustration of having to put her life on hold and the isolation that many carers, especially women, often experience.

12:57 - Discovering Gig Rowing A pivotal moment for Sian was discovering Cornish Pilot Gig Rowing. She describes the thrill of being on the water and encourages other women to engage in this inclusive and competitive sport that welcomes all ages.

17:41 - Overcoming Physical Challenges Sian recounts her experience of having a herniated disc and how, during recovery, she became inspired by women adventurers like Ros Savage, leading her to pursue rowing across the Atlantic in her sixties.

20:23 - The Realities of Ocean Rowing I learn about the challenges Sian faced while ocean rowing, like seasickness and sleep deprivation. Yet, she credits her maturity and resilience for helping manage these obstacles and emphasises the connection formed with her rowing team.

35:50 - Setting New Records Sian reveals her next daring adventure: attempting to set records by rowing anti-clockwise around Britain. She shares her excitement and preparations with a diverse crew, aiming to highlight the prowess of older women in adventure sports.

41:09 - Following Sian’s Journey I invite listeners to follow Sian's impressive journey through various platforms, encouraging them to support her record-breaking attempts and to be inspired by her unwavering spirit.

42:12 - Closing Reflections I reflect on how Sian embodies the essence of "Retirement Rebel," demonstrating that we can have vitality and adventures at any age. Her stories remind us of the unseen adventures of women and the strength of community in championing positive ageing.

34:52 - Closing Remarks and Call to Action I wrap up the conversation, urging listeners to check out Alex's inspiring work and films, and inviting them back next week for another engaging episode with a new guest.

Guest info

Sian Davis is an advocate for celebrating the achievements and vitality of the older generation. Passionate about challenging societal narratives that glorify only youth, Sian emphasises the remarkable contributions and vibrant lives led by older individuals. She actively supports platforms that amplify these voices, such as engageing in podcasts dedicated to showcasing the dynamic pursuits of an ageing population. Sian believes in positively embracing the ageing process and proudly claims that life is to be lived fully, regardless of age.

https://linktr.ee/counternavig8_gb

Links and Resources

Quotes

Embracing Activity for All Ages: "I've always had an interest in being active and seeing the benefits not just for me but first hand, in terms of social inclusion, reducing isolation, plus all the physical benefits that go with it."

Empowered Independence for Older Women: "For me, personally, I came back feeling right. I'm not going to capitulate or give in as easily as I normally do. I'm not gonna people please as much as I did. I'll have my boundaries will be firmer. And I have to keep reminding myself of that because, you know, you've got years of conditioning to overcome, particularly these women that, you know, you're the carer, you're the giver, you're the one who, I'm going to say something very controversial now, but if you see an older couple out in the car, who's always driving it? It's always the husband. Women, drive your own car,"

The Resilience of Older Women: "I think that maturity and that resilience that I think women get as they get older, that's a big theme of mine."

Website: www.retirementrebel.co.uk

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Instagram: Matt - Producer

Podcast Production: www.kult.media

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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.

Ageing Better

Episode 3

5th Feb 2025