For some, old age is marked by grey hair and slowing steps; for others, it’s about wisdom, resilience, and the quiet dignity of experience. In a recent conversation, 80-year-old Dame Marian Akintola described what it means to grow old — not just in years, but in the shifting roles, responsibilities, and reflections that come with time. Their perspective opens a window into how ageing is felt, lived, and understood beyond numbers on a calendar.
She explained that being old often comes with a sense of freedom from the pressures of youth — the endless rush to prove oneself or meet expectations. Instead, there’s a new rhythm, one shaped by gratitude for health, time, and family. For them, old age is not just decline, but an opportunity to pass on values, to nurture the younger generation, and to enjoy the simplicity of everyday life.
At the same time, Dame Akintola acknowledged the challenges: the body grows weaker, some dreams remain unfulfilled, and friends and loved ones are gradually lost along the way.
Yet, she stressed that the essence of old age lies in acceptance — embracing both the joys and the pains of the journey, while finding meaning in the experiences that shape a lifetime.
