Alisha Wainwright

On this episode, we'll explore the field of biogerontology, that's the biology and genetics of aging.

And our guide to the latest research in the field is renowned geneticist, Professor Dame Linda Partridge.

One of Linda's many titles is professorial research fellow at University College London.

She's been involved in studies examining the mechanisms of aging and age-related diseases, research that could lead to more effective, personalized interventions.

But the question of how we can age healthier is not just about biology.

It's also about culture, society, economics, even ethics.

We'll look at the question in different ways through the lens of a new exhibition exploring the experiences and perceptions of aging.

Let's get into it.

First, let's start with, could you define for us what bio gerontology is and how you found yourself in the field?

Aging is such a big topic.

So to frame our discussion with some of the diverse and surprising ways we experience and think about aging, we spoke to Shamita Sharmacharja.

She's one of the curators for The Coming of Age, a public exhibition at Wellcome Collection in London.

The exhibition features more than 100 artworks and objects exploring what longer lifespans mean and how societies can adapt for us all to age better.

Shamita spoke about the aims of the coming of age and gave us a guided tour of some of the exhibits.

Hearing that clip, something that stood out to me, it just reminded me of my mother who just recently retired this year.

And it's such an arbitrary age and time to retire.

She's no less mentally fit last year than she is today.

And she's bored out of her mind already, wondering what she can do in this next chapter of her life because she's, you know, got all of her cognitive function and she's an active lady.

So really...

When I hear this clip and I think about age, if you're lucky enough to move from your 50s to 60s and onward with a healthy body and mind, there's so much for you to do and to take advantage in this next chapter.