Episode 44

full
Published on:

16th Sep 2025

The Last Half-Decade - From 65 to 70

In this episode of The Year of Being 70 (which is drawing to a close), podcast hosts Lisette and Lucy, who have been friends since childhood, reflect on the last five years between their 65th and 70th birthdays.

As Lisette prepares to turn 71 next week, the two women delve into the productivity, challenges, and personal growth they experienced during this transformative half-decade of their lives. Through their candid and insightful conversation, they offer a unique perspective on navigating the later stages of life with purpose, resilience, and a deep appreciation for the journey.

Key Insights

• Productive and Purposeful Decades: Both Lisette and Lucy found their 60s to be extremely productive and fulfilling, with Lisette serving on boards and Lucy running a successful business and launching a book award.

• The Elusive Book Project: Lisette shares her struggle to find the time and inspiration to write a book, a project that has been on her mind but has yet to materialise, highlighting the challenges of balancing busy lives with creative pursuits.

• Embracing the Present, Contemplating the Future: As they approach their 71st birthdays, the friends discuss the sense of urgency and the desire to make the most of the time they have left, while also acknowledging the uncertainty of the future.

• Intergenerational Inspiration: Lisette and Lucy draw inspiration from their older relatives, such as Lucy's 96-year-old aunt who continues to work, and Lisette's admiration for Lucy's mother as a role model.

• The Power of Vulnerability and Acceptance: The hosts reflect on the importance of being open to receiving compliments and appreciation from loved ones, and the transformative impact it can have on one's self-perception and sense of worth.

Why You Should Listen

This episode of "The Year of Being 70" offers a unique and insightful exploration of the experiences, challenges, and personal growth that can occur in the later stages of life. Through the authentic and relatable conversation between Lisette and Lucy, listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the nuances of aging, the pursuit of purpose, and the value of lifelong friendships. Whether you are approaching your own milestone birthdays or simply seeking inspiration and wisdom, this podcast episode provides a thoughtful and engaging perspective on the journey of growing older.

Join The Conversation

How has your last half-decade been when you look back on it? Obviously you will have been through Covid, lock down and the aftermath, as we have. How has it changed things in your life? What are your main achievements in the last five years and are you able to take a compliment about them?

If you feel like sharing, tell us your personal experience in the comments.

Watch/listen to our full playlist (The Year of Being 70): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzDmlsx6mhXmqlFJFZEEvaOwytbeAMFCm

If you enjoyed this discussion, as well as the personal journeys of these old (in every sense) friends, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and tap the bell icon to stay updated on new episodes of The Year of Being 70. Subscribe now and join the journey!

#yearofbeing70 #lucyandlisette #podcast #mccarraherpodcast #ep44 #turning70 #being70 #ageing #65-70 #lasthalfdecade lastfiveyears #covid #lockdown #age71 #being71 #ageingwell #oldage #wisdom #love #70yearolds #lifetransitions #babyboomers #elderly #gettingolder #gettingold #stayingyoung #thelongview #truestories #memories #storypodcast #lucylisettepodcast #theyearofbeing70podcast #lucyandlisettepodcastjourney #reflectionsonourlives #personaltransformationstories #lifechangesafter70 #lifechangesafter40 #spiritualgrowth #personalgrowth #sharedhistories #podcastabouthistory #trendspodcast #lifeafter70 #aginggracefully #personalstories #friendshipinoldage #womenspodcast #turning70 #agingjourney #podcastaboutaging #lifeafter50 #reinventionat50 #aginggracefully #lifelonglearning #womenover50 #personalgrowth #midlifetransitions #agingpodcast #wisdomat70 #personaltransformationstories #dutchpodcast #netherlandsvoices

Listen for free

Show artwork for The Year of Being 70

About the Podcast

The Year of Being 70
Two childhood friends who turned 70 in 2024 look back on their lives, their journey, and their busy lives at 70t
Lucy McCarraher and Lisette Schuitemaker are childhood friends. Born one month apart in 1954, they both hit 70 in 2024. In this podcast they take the long view of their experiences, the changes that have taken place through their 70 years of existence in their own lives, their families, their countries and the world. Lucy is British; Lisette is Dutch. Both are authors, eldest daughters and founders of businesses. Every week they check in on each other, recall their younger selves, discuss an important issue, and laugh a lot.
You'll love this podcast if you enjoy:
* Honest discussions between good friends
* Social history from the 1950s to present day
* Memories of growing up in the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s
* Living and working through the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s
* Hearing about families and relationships
* Entrepreneurship and business
* Writing and reading books
* A bit of politics from a personal point of view
* Women's issues and the changing face of feminism
* What it's like to be 70 in the 2020s

About your host

Profile picture for Lisette Schuitemaker

Lisette Schuitemaker