In our fast-paced world, where time is often equated with productivity, the art of slowing down has become a revolutionary act. Today, we bring you insights from a conversation with Neelam Brar and Carl Honoré, an acclaimed author and the voice of the global slow-down movement. Together, they explore how slowing down can transform aging from a feared decline to an enjoyable adventure.
The Catalyst to Slow Living
“Life is not a race; it’s a journey to be savored,” says Carl Honoré, whose writing and speaking have encouraged millions to rethink their relationship with time. Carl’s epiphany came during a personal crisis when he found himself rushing through life to the detriment of relationships, epitomized by his story of speed-reading bedtime stories to his son. This moment led him to explore his “addiction to speed” and eventually birth the slow movement.
Aging: An Exciting Journey, Not a Downhill Slope
Carl argues that “aging is an extraordinary process whereby you become the person you were always meant to be.” Far from a decline, aging can be largely fulfilling, offering wisdom and depth. “Human beings follow a U-shaped happiness curve,” Carl notes, illustrating how life satisfaction often peaks after 55. Carl challenges the stereotypes that label older age as synonymous with unhappiness, advocating instead for a “technicolor” life filled with joy and purpose at every stage.
Combatting Ageism and Embracing New Narratives
Neelam Brar, founder of Total Life, shares personal anecdotes that question the narrative that life grinds to a halt as we age. She’s witnessed through her family that “doors are not closing with age but merely opening in different directions.” Reinforcing this, Carl discusses how societal perceptions are gradually shifting, as highlighted by new shows like “The Golden Bachelor” that spotlight dynamic stories of those past their youth.
Language plays an essential role in shaping our view on aging. Phrases like “senior moment” reinforce negative stereotypes. “Switch ‘showing my age’ to ‘showing off my age,'” Carl advises, emphasizing that our language should reflect the richness that age brings rather than the loss. 
The Virtue of Slow in Retirement
When discussing retirement, Carl points out, “It’s not about doing everything slowly, but about doing everything as well as possible.” He suggests avoiding a hard stop from busy professional lives to retirement. Instead, one should transition smoothly, taking time to reflect on personal goals and embracing both fast and slow activities, allowing retirement to be a time of rediscovery rather than withdrawal.
Fostering Meaningful Connections Through Intergenerational Interaction
Both Neelam and Carl believe in the power of diverse generational interactions to combat ageism. “Mixing up the generations can demolish ageist stereotypes,” Carl asserts, pointing to initiatives where university students live in senior homes, fostering cross-generational friendships.
Embracing the Uncomfortable to Form Deeper Bonds
Deep relationships require presence—Carl’s advice: reduce screen time to engage attentively with others. “Feel comfortable with discomfort,” he encourages, framing awkward silences as pathways to deeper connections. The key is allowing time for these connections to form organically.
Conclusion
In a transformative conversation, Neelam Brar and Carl Honoré invite us to contemplate our perceptions of aging. Quoting legendary agony aunt Ann Landers, Carl reminds us, “At 20, we worry about what people think of us; at 40, we stop worrying what they think of us; at 60, we realize they weren’t thinking about us at all.” As age shifts our perspectives and life priorities, embracing slowness can open us to the endless opportunities ahead.
As Neelam aptly concludes, “Your best years are still ahead.” This conversation with Carl Honoré challenges us to live intentionally, celebrating the art of aging with grace, wisdom, and enthusiasm. For those ready to embark on this journey, remember to slow down, age well, and look forward to the vibrant life that’s still to come.
