I am not your mate

“I AM NOT YOUR MATE” is a Nigerian slang meaning, “I am not your age mate; I am older.”

This portrait and storytelling series features 26 senior citizens, aged 60 and above, based in London. The project highlights their lives, stories, experiences, dreams, and fears. The participants come from diverse backgrounds, reflecting the multicultural fabric of London—a city enriched by more than 270 nationalities and recognized as one of the most linguistically diverse in the world.

I am deeply passionate about representation, especially for senior citizens, who are often underestimated. They possess immense wisdom and life experiences from which we can learn so much. Society frequently overlooks the invaluable opportunities to draw from their knowledge. Older people offer profound insights and sage advice for navigating and appreciating life. As Victor Hugo beautifully put it, “When grace is joined with wrinkles, it is adorable. There is an unspeakable dawn in old age.”

The series features a range of unfiltered, honest portraits captured in spontaneous moments. No editing, retouching, or staged concepts—this is about showcasing the raw emotions and authentic beauty of aging.

The 26 senior citizens shaped the project far more than I had anticipated, inspiring me with their unique perspectives and stories. “I AM NOT YOUR MATE” stems from my admiration for seniors and my desire to document their invaluable contributions. The project is proudly supported by Arts Council England.

Name, Age, Profession, and Sexual Orientation
My name is Amina Mangera. I’m 62, an activist, and heterosexual.

Most Unique Experience
Coming to England from apartheid South Africa at age 8. In school, I witnessed stereotypes about Africa, like when Black Caribbean girls referred to Africa as primitive. I corrected them, saying, “I’m from Africa, and we are civilised.” That moment sparked my activism.

Goals/Dreams
I want to change the world. I fight inequality, oppression, and climate disaster, particularly its disproportionate effects on the Global South. We need a system that values people and the planet over profit.

What Do You Like About Your Age?
I don’t think about age; I’m active and work with people of all ages. Society makes older women invisible, but I don’t feel that way. I love the confidence and freedom that come with my age.

Biggest Fear
The rise of global far-right fascism, climate change denial, and wealth concentration terrify me. These forces endanger ordinary people and the planet. But we—the many—can fight back through unity and organisation.

Most Important Life Principle
Humans are social beings with the capacity for good. We should work together to support one another and foster hope.

 

Name, Age, Profession, and Sexual Orientation
My name is Kameel Khan. I’m 61 years old and heterosexual.

Most Unique Experience
Getting married, having my two wonderful daughters, and going on lovely family holidays.

Goals/Dreams
To ensure my daughters are happy and secure, especially after their mum passed away. I also want to move forward, stop dwelling on the past, and focus on enjoying life—traveling, running again, learning the guitar, and making the most of my time.

What Do You Like About Your Age?
I’m grateful for my health—being able to run and stay active. At this age, I have more choices and freedom, but I’ve become more conscious of my health. Losing my wife made me prioritize my daughters, but now that they’re grown, I’m focusing on doing more for myself while still staying connected with them.

Biggest Fear
Losing the connection I’ve built with my daughters. That bond is everything to me, and I encourage them to speak openly, even if it upsets me. I want to know they’re fine when my time comes.

Most Important Life Principle
Relationships matter most. I used to focus on material things like a big house, but when my wife passed, I realized possessions mean nothing without strong connections to loved ones.

 

Name, Age, Profession, and Sexual Orientation
My name is Rasmika Patel, 60 years old, a retired college lecturer, and heterosexual. After 20 years in education, I trained as a life coach, helping others bring positive change while transforming my own life. Now, I split my time between family, volunteering, learning new skills, staying active, and pursuing my spiritual journey.

Most Unique Experience
After multiple miscarriages, I was told conceiving would be difficult. With time, medical help, and my husband’s support, I gave birth to my son in August 1991—a true “miracle of love.” Carrying him for nine months and becoming a mother remains the most unique and joyful experience of my life.

Goals/Dreams
To live joyfully, stay fit, give back through selfless service, and deepen my spiritual growth.

What I Like About My Age
I’m more selective about relationships, distancing from negativity without guilt. It’s liberating to focus on hobbies and interests I once shelved, doing what I want, when and how I want.

Biggest Fear
I don’t have one, and I’m not searching for answers—it’s not important at this stage of life.

Most Important Life Principle
Everything happens for a reason. Give selflessly, take accountability, trust your intuition, and practice daily gratitude. Replace “do what you love” with “put love into what you do.”

 

Name, Age, Profession, and Sexual Orientation
My name is Ratan Patel. I am 65 years old, a retired HSBC bank clerk, and heterosexual.

Most Unique Experience
Raising my children and now enjoying my 5 grandchildren.

Goals/Dreams
I want to travel more, especially spending six months in India and six months in the UK. However, caring for my grandchildren limits our travel plans, and my husband prefers shorter trips to India.

What I Like About My Age
I stay active caring for grandchildren and hosting family visitors from New Zealand and South Africa. Staying busy keeps me going and helps manage my arthritis.

Biggest Fear
Losing my independence, especially due to dementia or Alzheimer’s. Having seen my mum and niece’s husband suffer, the idea of forgetting loved ones or needing full-time care is my greatest fear.

Most Important Life Principle
Be happy, understanding, and take time for yourself. Self-care is crucial—live life for yourself, not just for others’ expectations.

 

 

Name, Age, Profession, and Sexual Orientation
My name is Andy Gregg. I am 65 years old, the Chief Executive of Race for Agenda, a leading social policy think tank for BAME communities. My sexual orientation is heterosexual.

Most Unique Experience
Marrying my partner from Uganda. I converted to Islam in 1992 to honor her family’s traditions, though I am not a very observant Muslim.

Goals/Dreams
To see true equality across race, gender, and sexual orientation—beyond words, through action. Racism has existed for centuries, and while it won’t disappear soon, we must work together to dismantle it.

What I Like About My Age
I adore my grandchildren—they’re more fun and easier than raising kids! I also value the chance to reflect on life, meeting extraordinary people, especially refugees, who’ve endured experiences far beyond my own.

Biggest Fear
The worsening climate crisis and growing racism, xenophobia, and hatred of immigrants. I worry my grandchildren will face a harder life. Still, I believe in working to make things better, despite the challenges.

Most Important Life Principle
Listen, challenge yourself, and stay open to new perspectives.

 

Name, Age, Profession, and Sexual Orientation
My name is Habeeba Marikkar. I am 74 years old. My sexual orientation is heterosexual. I was a teacher in Sri Lanka before moving to the UK to marry my husband. I became a full-time housewife, raising a family. I’ve been widowed for seven years; my husband, a radiologist, passed away from dementia.

Most Unique Experience
Leaving my parents in Sri Lanka to move to the UK and marry my husband. As their only child, it was bittersweet for all of us.

Goals/Dreams
To stay healthy and active for as long as I can, ideally another 10 years, so I can watch my grandchildren grow.

What I Like About My Age
I enjoy my freedom, spending time with family, and traveling with friends.

Biggest Fear
Becoming unable to care for myself. I’ve told my daughter to place me in a nursing home if needed, as I don’t want to burden anyone.

Most Important Life Principle
Help those in need, be kind, honest, and always smile—you lose nothing by being nice.

 

 

Name, Age, Profession, and Sexual Orientation
My name is Prof Dame Elizabeth Nneka Anionwu CBE DBE. I am 72 years old. I am a retired Emeritus Professor of Nursing at the University of West London. My sexual orientation is heterosexual.

Most Unique Experience
Finding my father at age 25. My parents were never married, and I am the result of an affair between two Cambridge students. I wrote about my story in my memoir Mixed Blessings from a Cambridge Union, available on Amazon.

Goals/Dreams in Life
I’ve achieved many goals, including becoming a nurse, which I’ve always wanted since childhood. One of my proudest accomplishments was becoming the first sickle cell nurse specialist in England, helping families with support and genetic counseling.

What I Like About My Age
At my age, I enjoy not being answerable to anyone. I’ve gained confidence and know who I am. I appreciate knowing people from all generations and feel part of history.

Biggest Fear
My biggest fear is disability as I age. While I’m still active, I’m mindful of the aches and pains that come with aging and being a nurse, I know how things can change quickly.

Most Important Life Principle
Valuing people and practicing tolerance. We only have one life, and it saddens me when people experience trauma due to unkindness or inequity.

 

Name, Age, Profession, and Sexual Orientation
My name is Ian Dodds, and I’m 76 years old. I own a small business specializing in Inclusive Leadership. I am bisexual, a realization I had in school and embraced in my early 20s, inspired by a respected professor at Oxford. I’ve always been open about my sexuality, though I once faced a homophobic attack when I unknowingly entered a “gents cottage.”

Most Unique Experience
Growing up on a council estate and going to Oxford University.

Goals/Dreams in Life
My goal is to make the world a better place, which I do through inclusive leadership. I love being a father to two sons, one a professor and the other an artist, and I cherish my four grandchildren.

What I Like About My Age
At my age, I no longer worry about work or finances. I’m content with my pensions, enjoy a full social life, and am surrounded by good friends.

Biggest Fear
My biggest fear is suffering a painful heart attack or seeing my children or grandchildren hurt.

Most Important Life Principle
Never tell a lie, and strive to make the world a better place for others.

 

 

Name, Age, Profession, and Sexual Orientation
My name is Sandhya Thacker, and I am 56 years old. I am a Project Officer within the local authority. My sexual orientation is heterosexual.

Most Unique Experience
Watching my sons graduate with degrees, despite my husband and I never attending university, was a proud moment. Another unique experience was seeing my son get married and start his own journey, though it was tough for us when he moved away.

Goals/Dreams in Life
My dreams are to see my younger son settle down with the right partner and to own a business that my husband and I can run together. I aim for a flexible lifestyle with two holidays a year and a big house where my children and grandchildren can gather for holidays and festivals.

What I Like About My Age
I enjoy my independence, the freedom to go out with friends, and the ability to travel with my husband, without the responsibility of young children.

Biggest Fear
I fear losing loved ones, especially my mum.

Most Important Life Principle
Staying humble through life’s ups and downs, with love and faith.

 

Name, Age, Profession, and Sexual Orientation
My name is Mia Morris FRSA OBE, 60 years old. I work as a Project Worker with the mental health charity Sound Minds. My sexual orientation is heterosexual.

Most Unique Experience
One of the most unique experiences was traveling to Greece and Paris in the 1980s, where I went gliding off a mountain. It felt deeply spiritual, like I was closer to God.

Goals/Dreams in Life
My goal is to stay alive, be healthy, and live a good life.

What I Like About My Age
I love my grey hair and the respect I get as an “elder.” For years, I was always the youngest and smallest, but now I have a different role.

Biggest Fear
My biggest fears are racism, which is worsening, and rats! I can’t stand them, and the thought of one makes me faint—hence, I have a cat.

Most Important Life Principle
Do the best you can until you know better, then do better. Be kind to yourself and others, prioritise self-care, and remember, I never lose, I either win or I learn.

 

 

Name, Age, Profession, and Sexual Orientation
My name is Mulikatu Maggi Oni, 80 years old. I’m a retired caterer and volunteer at an old people’s home in Tower Bridge, London. My sexual orientation is heterosexual.

Most Unique Experience
Being a grandmother is the most unique experience of my life. I adore my children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Watching them grow, get educated, and build their families brings me great joy.

Goals/Dreams in Life
I aim to empower others and help those around me. I want my family to be self-sufficient and to be a blessing to their generation.

What I Like About My Age
I’m grateful to God for my health and for reaching 80. I have wonderful friends, and we enjoy going out and having fun together.

Biggest Fear
I’m not afraid of anything, as I know where I’m going after this life. My only concern is that my family stays united after I’m gone.

Most Important Life Principle
After education, humility is key. Always keep your heart clean!

 

Name, Age, Profession, and Sexual Orientation
My name is Benny Ebenezer Iherkeri, 80 years old, and a retired civil servant. My sexual orientation is heterosexual.

Most Unique Experience
I can’t pinpoint one unique experience. I see my life as a continuous journey, always changing and evolving. The way I react to situations today won’t be the same tomorrow.

Goals/Dreams in Life
At 80, my goal is simply to be happy and spread happiness. I’m happy to live up to the name “Benny Goodman” that my friends gave me.

What I Like About My Age
I love my age! My family has lived into their 80s, so I’m expecting a few more good years. I reflect on my younger days, which brings me happiness, though I do feel lonely at times as many of my friends have passed.

 

 

Name, Age, Profession, and Sexual Orientation
My name is Parvati Patel, 63 years old, and I work as a Customer Service Representative at HSBC three days a week. My sexual orientation is heterosexual.

Most Unique Experience
Having a granddaughter was unexpected and made me really happy, especially since my daughter and her husband hadn’t planned on having children.

Goals/Dreams in Life
My goal is to retire soon and enjoy my state pension. My dream is to travel to the Far East for three months and ride a bike.

What I Like About My Age
I don’t feel my age—age is just a number. I love being around kids, they keep me young. You’re never too old for anything. Live for today, not tomorrow.

What is your biggest fear?

My biggest fear is going in a deep water. I do swim but I can’t float. I can jump out of the plane, do a parachute jumping, hold a snake. I would go in a sea if I have a lifeguard.

What do you think is the most important life principle?

Be happy! Live for today not for tomorrow

 

Name, Age, Profession, and Sexual Orientation
My name is Rosie Canning, I’m 61 years old, a Research Assistant at the University of Oxford, and my sexual orientation is heterosexual.

Most Unique Experience
Coming to work at Oxford is a unique experience for me. Growing up in care, there are many negative stereotypes about care-experienced people, such as ending up homeless or struggling with addiction. For someone from my background to be at one of the UK’s most prestigious universities is incredible.

Goals/Dreams in Life
I aim to finish my PhD in creative writing, which involves writing a novel about a 16-year-old girl, Marian, leaving care and navigating life on her own. I also hope to build a more permanent relationship with my partner.

What I Like About My Age
I enjoy my newfound confidence. Ten years ago, I wouldn’t have had the confidence to apply for a job at Oxford. Now, I feel more self-assured and proud of the work I’m doing to support children in care.

Biggest Fear
My biggest fear is death. Although I know it’s inevitable, I’m still finding it hard to come to terms with the end of life.

Most Important Life Principle
Responsibility is key. Living responsibly impacts everything—from reducing the effects of climate change to treating others with kindness. I strive to live in an environmentally conscious way and hope to instill those values in others.

 

Name, Age, Profession, and Sexual Orientation
My name is Anna Meryt, over 60 years old. I am an Author, Writer, and Performance Poet. My sexual orientation is heterosexual.

Most Unique Experience
The most unique experiences of my life include giving birth to my children, having my first grandchild, living in South Africa during Apartheid, and writing a book about it. I also went to Indonesia to free my ex-husband from jail with £10,000 in my suitcase and spent 11 years working with domestic abuse victims.

Goals/Dreams in Life
I am working on four books: one on domestic violence, one on Buddhist funerals (I’ve practiced Buddhism for 35 years), one on being a poet, and a poetry collection. A highlight was having one of my poems displayed in Enfield Centre in 2019, chosen as the poem of the month. I want my work to resonate with everyday people.

What I Like About My Age
I enjoy the independence of choosing how I spend my time. After raising two children and supporting a husband with an unstable career, I now have the freedom to make decisions for myself. While there are things I don’t like about aging, I appreciate my own space, my car, and the ability to live life on my terms.

Biggest Fear
My biggest fear is the aging process and losing the ability to write. I hope I can hold off the physical decline long enough to finish the four books I’m working on.

Most Important Life Principle
Being kind. Many people aren’t kind to each other, and I believe kindness is essential in life.

 

Name, Age, Profession, and Sexual Orientation
My name is Harshad Patel, I am 73 years old, and I am a retired businessman. My sexual orientation is heterosexual.

Most Unique Experience
Owning my own business and being a grandfather are the most unique experiences of my life. I have three beautiful grandchildren, and seeing them every day brings me immense joy. My son and his family live with us, so I get to spend a lot of time with them, which is truly special.

Goals/Dreams in Life
My goal is to travel more and explore the world, experiencing different cultures. Right now, my life revolves around my grandchildren. I take them to school, football, and ballet classes, and they are my priority.

What I Like About My Age
I love spending time with my grandchildren and traveling. Traveling broadens the mind and promotes tolerance. At this age, I enjoy staying active and being healthy. My life is centered around family, which provides love, support, and values.

Biggest Fear
My biggest fear is death. Though I know it’s inevitable, I still fear it.

Most Important Life Principle
Love and affection are vital in life. Everyone needs to feel loved. I also believe in being sincere, truthful, and never cheating anyone.

 

Name, Age, Profession, and Sexual Orientation
My name is Shirley Wiggins, I am 63 years old. I have a portfolio career, working in security, as a travel agent running an online agency, and as a life coach. My sexual orientation is heterosexual.

Most Unique Experience
The most unique experience of my life is my unusual journey to England. I was kidnapped by my father at the age of 2, and his sexuality played a role in that. That experience has shaped who I am today, and I consider myself a survivor.

Goals/Dreams in Life
One of my dreams is to see my great-grandchildren. I have a 20-year-old grandson, and I hope to witness the next generation. My goal is to find a life partner, as it’s the one thing I’ve not yet fully accomplished (laughs).

What I Like About My Age
I’m proud of how I look at 63 and feel comfortable in my own skin. I’m happy to have reached this age and feel good about it.

Biggest Fear
My biggest fear is dying alone.

Most Important Life Principle
Honesty, kindness, and empathy are the most important life principles to me.

 

 

Name, Age, Profession, and Sexual Orientation
My name is Mike Gee, I am 64 years old, and I am a retired carpenter. I’m at the crazy end of heterosexual.

Most Unique Experience
The birth of my daughter stands out as the most unique experience of my life. Other memorable moments include standing a mile and a half from Niagara Falls and getting drenched from the speed of the waterfall. I also had the chance to work for Paul McCartney in the 1980s, programming synthesizers. Another highlight was building a flight case for Stevie Wonder’s 8-foot grand piano during his European tour. As a thank you, I received a first-class ticket to Paris, stayed in a 5-star hotel, got a backstage pass, and even attended an exclusive after-party where I sat with Stevie and his friends.

Goals/Dreams in Life
At this point in my life, my goal is simple: to live quietly and peacefully, hoping for world peace, better social justice, and planting more trees.

What I Like About My Age
I enjoy the peace and calm that comes with this age. I’m still active but slowing down, and I appreciate the balance between youth and old age, as well as the ability to enjoy life at a more relaxed pace.

Biggest Fear
My biggest fear is that in just 200 years, humanity has damaged the planet’s ecosystem to the point where it won’t sustain life in the next 30 years. On a personal level, I also fear not being able to afford the electricity bill next week.

Most Important Life Principle
Honesty is key because it fosters communication and trust, which are the foundations of all relationships.

 

Name, Age, Profession, and Sexual Orientation
My name is Dawn Hill CBE, I am 80 years old. I work in Organisation Management, Human Resources, and Industrial Relations. My sexual orientation is heterosexual.

Most Unique Experience
I’ve had many unique experiences, but a few stand out. As a student at the London School of Economics, I worked at a community center in Liverpool Road, where I encountered people with life experiences very different from my own. Another was traveling to Africa with my future husband. A third was receiving my CBE at Buckingham Palace from Prince Charles.

Goals/Dreams in Life
My goal has been to secure a comfortable retirement. While I still work, especially with Black Cultural Archives (BCA), I dream of stepping back and letting younger people take over the roles I once did at BCA.

What I Like About My Age
Though I’m 80, I still feel like I’m 40. While I can’t do things as quickly as I once did, age hasn’t stopped me from pursuing everything I want to do. I just continue as best I can.

Biggest Fear
My biggest fear is not being able to get around. Recently, this has been a concern, but I’m working through it and plan to overcome it.

Most Important Life Principle
It’s essential to be clear about how you spend your time. Focus on what you’re doing and make sure you follow through. Always do what you say you’ll do, and never let people down.

 

Name, Age, Profession, and Sexual Orientation
My name is Caroline Andersen, I am 64 years old, retired, and my sexual orientation is heterosexual.

Most Unique Experience
I’ve had a quiet life, but having my two daughters has been the most unique experience. My life changed drastically when my husband suddenly passed away 20 years ago, which impacted my retirement plans. Since then, I’ve mostly been going with the flow.

Goals/Dreams in Life
Recently, I’ve been finding ways to fill my time. I got a dog, take it for walks, and try new things. I’m part of the University of the Third Age and just signed up for an ukulele class. I aim to stay active and learn as much as I can.

What I Like About My Age
I’m more assertive now and less worried about what others think. I wish I could go back with the knowledge I have now, but I think being older makes you more tolerant and understanding of people’s experiences. Though older people are often seen as grumpy, I feel I have a better understanding of others.

Biggest Fear
My biggest fear is that my kids will move back home. I definitely need to downsize! (laughs)

Most Important Life Principle
Forgiveness is key, though it can be difficult. As you age, you realize that people have their reasons for their actions, and it’s important to be understanding.

                                                                           

Name, Age, Profession, and Sexual Orientation
My name is Julian Goddard. I am 66 years old, and I am a Government Statistician, although that doesn’t fully define me. My sexual orientation is heterosexual.

Most Unique Experience of Your Life
It’s hard to pinpoint just one experience, as I’ve had a variety of unique moments. I’ve had the chance to travel to different countries, not as a tourist, but as an informed visitor. I worked in Australia, which opened up opportunities I would never have had otherwise. While I can’t say I’ve done anything entirely unique, I’ve led an interesting life by focusing on my career, friendships, and travel, and even dabbled in photography, creating stories using supermarket trolleys.

Goals and Dreams in Life
It’s difficult to define my goals now. I wanted to make the world a better place, but that seems increasingly difficult. I’ve been a chair of a local authority and have volunteered, but with the world changing around me, I’m unsure where those dreams and goals will take me.

What Do You Like About Your Age?
At my age, I appreciate the freedom I have. I no longer work regularly, so I have more choices in how I spend my time. While this freedom is wonderful, it also poses challenges because it can be hard to stay motivated without structure. On the plus side, having a Freedom Pass is a nice perk—it makes traveling around London much easier.

Biggest Fear
My biggest fear is health-related, especially poor health. I’ve seen others suffer, and that’s made me more conscious of my own well-being. Fortunately, my father, who’s in his 90s, remains active and independent, which serves as an inspiring role model for me.

Most Important Life Principle
My guiding principle is to work cooperatively with others to improve the world rather than add to its problems. I believe in finding solutions and overcoming challenges together. I’m also deeply concerned about the environment, and my focus is on what can be done to protect the planet.

 

Name, Age, Profession, and Sexual Orientation
My name is Mike Martin. I am 70 years old. I am retired, but I still stay actively involved in various charities and voluntary organizations. My sexual orientation is heterosexual.

Most Unique Experience of Your Life
The most unique experience of my life has been traveling. I’ve traveled extensively, but one of the highlights was a road trip to South America in the 1970s. My wife and I drove a little Volkswagen Beetle from New York to Bolivia. It was an incredible adventure.

Goals and Dreams in Life
One of my main goals is to make a positive difference in society. I’m deeply involved with a refugee organization, and while the work is challenging, it brings me great joy. My dream is to become a good jazz guitarist. I’ve been working on it for the last 55 years, and while I still have a long way to go, I’m slowly making progress. Another goal of mine is simply to show respect to others.

What Do You Like About Your Age?
What I appreciate most about my age is not having to work anymore. I now have the time to do the things I couldn’t when I was working full time, like practicing my guitar, reading more books, and traveling—three things I didn’t have enough time for before. I’m forever grateful when I wake up in the morning and think, “I don’t have to get out of bed.”

Biggest Fear
My biggest fear is losing one of my senses, particularly my hearing and eyesight. As a musician, the thought of losing my hearing is especially terrifying. On a larger scale, I also fear the consequences of Brexit, Boris Johnson, and Donald Trump.

Most Important Life Principle
The most important life principle for me is to be respectful of other people’s perspectives and differences. Understanding and appreciating the diversity in others is key.

 

Name, Age, Profession, and Sexual Orientation
My name is Gayle Morris. I am 62 years old. I am retired part-time, working as an administrator part-time, and I’m a full-time carer. My sexual orientation is heterosexual.

Most Unique Experience of Your Life
The most unique experience of my life was traveling to China. I never imagined I would have the opportunity, but I actually walked on the Great Wall of China, which was incredible. That was about 8 years ago, and I’ve been to China three times since then, so I can truly say I’ve experienced the country a few times.

Goals and Dreams in Life
As for goals, I feel like I’ve accomplished most of them. My dream now is for my children to be settled in their lives, especially my son. I hope he finds peace, settles into his role as a father, and that they both have fulfilling, harmonious lives. I want them to be happy and content.

What Do You Like About Your Age?
What I like about my age is the sense of freedom I feel. Not in the sense that no one makes demands on me, but that I can dress however I like, and I don’t care what others think. I feel free to be myself. Of course, people still make demands on me, but I’m free to say no.

Biggest Fear
My biggest fear is dropping dead in front of my family. I don’t want my children to witness that. I don’t want to suffer at the end of my life either. Ideally, I’d like to pass away without much struggle, though I’d want to have everything in order beforehand. I don’t want my children to be burdened with difficult decisions about caring for me. I’ve seen too many older people abandoned by their children, and I don’t want my children to go through that kind of trauma.

Most Important Life Principle
The most important life principle is treating others the way you would want to be treated. You reap what you sow. Respect everyone, no matter who they are. It’s something my mother taught me when I was young, and as I’ve grown older, I’ve come to understand it more deeply. It’s just a twist of fate that we have what we have, and others have what they have. I’ve seen homeless people, and it’s easy to become homeless—your life can change in an instant. Never turn your back on someone because you don’t know what the future holds for you.

 

Name, Age, Profession, and Sexual Orientation
My name is Jennifer Turner. I am 63 years old. I am a midwife. My sexual orientation is heterosexual.

Most Unique Experience of Your Life
Definitely being a mother. Motherhood came to me later in life—I was 40 when I had my baby. By that time, I had already experienced a lot in terms of my career and travel. Motherhood was always something I wanted, and when I finally got it, I embraced and enjoyed every minute of it.

Goals and Dreams in Life
My main goal is to remain self-reliant and independent. Independence is crucial to me. I’ve learned from a young age not to depend on anyone. Growing up, especially as a woman, you have to be strong and take care of yourself. Self-confidence is key—it can prevent you from being taken advantage of.

What Do You Like About Your Age?
I’ve gained a lot of wisdom from life experiences, both my own and those of others. I’ve learned from the mistakes I made when I was younger, and I wouldn’t make those same mistakes now because I understand the consequences of them.

Biggest Fear
My biggest fear is ill health and being dependent on others. I don’t want to be ill or reliant on anyone. I would love to be able to care for myself until the end. Having my own financial security is also very important to me, so I can always take care of myself.

Most Important Life Principle
Self-confidence and striving for happiness. Life goes more smoothly when you have confidence in yourself. If you’re confident, it’s much harder for others to take advantage of you.

 

Name, Age, Profession, and Sexual Orientation
My name is Charles Kazibwe. I am 75 years old. I am a development worker. My sexual orientation is heterosexual.

Most Unique Experience of Your Life
The most unique experience of my life was the first time I traveled outside East Africa for a three-month course in Japan. The journey took three days, and when I arrived, everything was completely different from what I was used to in Uganda. The overwhelming population of Tokyo, streets without names, the language barrier with hardly anyone speaking English, the work culture, and the food—all of it was a shock. I became homesick within just a month.

Goals and Dreams in Life
My main dream is to make a visible contribution toward liberating African communities from poverty, which is often caused by negative aspects of borrowed cultural and religious values, attitudes, and practices. I aspire to financial independence—not only for myself but for my family and African communities, so that money works for us instead of us working for it. I was born and raised in extreme poverty, and I despise it. However, I believe that by challenging our values, attitudes, and practices, we can free ourselves from its grip and help others do the same.

What Do You Like About Your Age?
At my age, I embrace realism. I do what I believe in, and I am capable of achieving what I set out to do.

Biggest Fear
My biggest fear is not being able to achieve my dream of helping more poor communities in Sierra Leone and Uganda escape poverty. If we fail to secure adequate funding for Transform Africa, the UK-based organization where I serve as CEO, I fear we will not be able to reach those communities.

Most Important Life Principle
The most important life principle for me is to be guided by the “5Rs”: Responsibility, Resilience, Respect, Reliability, and Relationships.

 

Name, Age, Profession, and Sexual Orientation
My name is Marian Holding. I am 90 years old, a retired teacher, and my sexual orientation is heterosexual.

Most Unique Experience of Your Life
Having my children was the most unique experience of my life. The moment my first child was born, I felt a miracle. I loved her instantly. The same happened with my son, despite a difficult birth. The love I felt for them is something I’ve never experienced before. Another unique experience was teaching. I loved it and looked forward to going back to school each week.

Goals/Dreams in Life
I want to continue learning, reading, walking in the countryside, and swimming. I’m happy with my life and enjoy staying active.

What Do You Like About Your Age?
I love having my own space, something I never had growing up in a big family. Now, I can do what I want, eat what I want, and live independently.

Biggest Fear
I’m fortunate to be healthy, but I fear losing my sight. I’ve always had good eyesight, and losing it would be very difficult for me.

Most Important Life Principle
Confidence in yourself is key. Be true to who you are, and don’t try to be something you’re not. Women especially were often taught not to be confident, but being comfortable with yourself is the most important thing.