Grey Matters

Longer lives are reshaping relationships in unexpected ways. In this episode of Grey Matters, Terry Prone and Fergus Finlay explore the global rise of “grey divorce”. From retired husband syndrome in Japan to shifting dynamics at home in Ireland, they ask whether longevity is forcing couples to rethink who they want to spend their future with.

On this week's episode Terry is joined by Dr Diarmuid O'Shea President of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland and Consultant Geriatrician, to discuss dementia. With a growing ageing population in Ireland, Grey Matters highlights why awareness and prevention have never been more important.

This week, Terry and Fergus discuss the notion of a “good death” and their opposing views on death and dying. They agree that dignity in death is paramount, but question whether advances in medicine have paradoxically diminished the dignity of dying.

This week, Terry and Fergus challenge the label “the elderly.” Arguing that lazy language fuels stereotypes, calling for respect, better media coverage, and recognition of older people’s diversity and value.If you have a comment or question contact us at [email protected]

On this week’s episode, Terry and Fergus explore the reality behind retirement, and the podcast hosts have a clear message:failing to prepare properly for retirement can be a dangerous business. Using the Oscar-nominated Irish short film Retirement Plan as a springboard, Grey Matters examines how people prepare, or fail to prepare, for later life.

This week Fergus sat down with Dr Miriam Stoppard to talk about her latest book Sex, Drugs and Walking Sticks. They discuss how these attitudes can influence people’s relationship to sex as they grow older, and Stoppard says it can lead many to allow their sexual energy to hibernate. However, Dr Stoppard challenges the assumption that sexual desire fades away with age, and she is unequivocal: “We are sexual beings until wedie.”

This week Terry is joined by Ber Grogan, Executive Director of Simon Communities of Ireland, to discuss why Ireland’s over 65s are one of the fastest growing cohorts of people entering intoemergency accommodation.

At 70, drivers must prove they’re fit to stay on the road, but is it safety or ageism? This week, Terry and Fergus explore freedom, fairness, and the real impact of Ireland’s driving laws on older lives.

Why are older performers thriving on UK television while their Irish counterparts seem to disappear from the spotlight?In this week's episode, Terry and Fergus examine what they see as a striking cultural difference between Ireland and the UK when it comes to age and entertainment.

Teeth are easy to take for granted - until they start to disappear. In this episode, Terry and Fergus explore the surprising role that oral health plays in how we age, from the everyday act of brushing our teeth to the life-changing consequences of losing them.To share your thoughts, comments or questions with Terry and Fergus email [email protected]

This week, Terry Prone and Fergus Finlay dive into the overlooked contribution of grandparents who are shaping the lives of the majority of Irish parents.  Send in your comments and questions to [email protected] For further information on any of the topics discussed in this episode, visit www.tusla.ie

This week, Terry and Fergus answer your questions, from health regimes, book recommendations and future episode topics. To submit a question or comment, email [email protected] Books mentioned in episode: The Thursday Murder Club by  Richard Osmond.The Spy Coast by  Tess Gerritsen.A Year in Provence by Peter Mayle.

When does family support cross the line into exploitation? In this weeks episode, Terry Prone and Fergus Finlay tackle what may be the most pressing issue facing older people today: the right to privacy and dignity when living with dementia.

In episode three, Terry and Fergus debate on one of the most controversial questions around ageing: what’s wrong with vanity and why is older women’s vanity judged so harshly? Speaking candidly about her own facelifts, Botox and fillers, Terry argues that cosmetic surgery is not about superficial beauty but about fighting back against ageism and workplace discrimination. Exploring the hypocrisy around “ageing gracefully”, the risks of Ireland’s largely unregulated cosmetic surgery industry, and why for many women, looking younger is a matter of professional survival, not ego.

On this weeks episode Terry and Fergus confront one of the most deeply embedded and ‘lazy’ assumptions in Irish life: that retirement at 65 is inevitable, desirable and beyond question.

In their first episode, Terry and Fergus discuss ageing in Ireland, from being stereotyped and feeling invisible, to whether older people should give up their homes to aid the housing crisis, and the double standards faced by older women around “ageing gracefully.”