by ADAM DUNCAN, Director of Life-Stage Development 

His subject will be: The Benefits of Conscious Ageing, A holistic approach to growing older.   

Two life-changing events happened to Adam ten years ago. His mother died and he had to retire from the work he loved doing. His sense of loss felt profound, but after a long period of grief, there came a desire to connect with others around the ageing process. He started Life-Stage Development which has engaged over a thousand people in the benefits of Conscious Ageing.

Our time on the planet is limited but instead of despair, we can use our awareness of the transience of life as a powerful psychological tool. Conscious Ageing cuts through the daily noise, sharpens focus, and transforms how we experience the present moment. Instead of hanging onto the past or being fearful of the future, we can live with self-confidence and purpose. There can be great joy in growing older, but it is not for the faint-hearted. There are physical, emotional and mental challenges that can overwhelm us unless we take an integrated and holistic approach to life and death.   

After Adam’s 60-minute talk, he is happy to field questions and your thoughts on what he has said. As he expressed it “for audience engagement.” The talk is appropriate for people of all faiths or none. 

A little more about Adam. He was a scriptwriter for the BBC and other broadcasters. He designed and delivered training materials to large organisations such as Amnesty International and was on the leadership team for a Band of Brothers, a charity that delivered rite of passage training to young men in the Criminal Justice System. After completing a Death Doula Course with Dr Hermione Elliott, he started Life-Stage Development and wrote The Power in Ageing. 

Adam’s thinking is summed up by LOUCINDA MIDGLEY: "Life-Stage is a guiding light to all who seek to break free from the old, ingrained beliefs around ageing." 

If you intend to be present at Adam’s session, please reply to specialevents@brightonandhoveu3a.org so that the correct number of chairs can be laid out. If a couple of those attending could turn up early to help with that task, it would be appreciated. 

Also, please leave the front row free for those who see or hear less well and for wheelchair users.