Breaking Boundaries: Ageless Unveils a New Era of Ageing on Australian TV

A ground-breaking Australian television series is set to revolutionize perceptions of ageing, spotlighting everyday Australians who defy stereotypes and exude vitality well beyond their years.

“Ageless,” premiering on the Nine Network starting March 23rd, promises to inspire viewers to reimagine the concept of growing older through the remarkable journeys of 11 individuals who embrace life with unparalleled zeal, disregarding the mere number of candles adorning their birthday cakes.

The red carpet was unfurled for the grand premiere of this eightpart series on March 12th at GemLife Maroochy Quays on the Sunshine Coast. Among the esteemed guests was Sharon Lagden, a vibrant 64-year-old resident of GemLife Palmwoods, whose battle with breast cancer and subsequent struggles with depression fueled her determination to compile a bucket list that invigorated her spirit. In Episode Five, aptly titled “Taking a Leap,” host Grey Rogers delves into Sharon’s story alongside her husband Kevin, exploring the essence of living without regrets before she triumphantly checks off one of her top aspirations — skydiving.

“Surviving cancer and battling depression instilled in me a fervor for experiences that make me feel truly alive,” shares Mrs. Lagden. “Creating my bucket list, embracing the leap into skydiving, and seizing new opportunities like joining the Ageless series have been pivotal for me. Age should never shackle you from embracing life to its fullest extent. I hope my journey inspires others to realize that age is but a number. Don’t allow it, or fear, to hinder your pursuit of what sets your soul ablaze.”

Featuring individuals ranging from 56 to 81 years old, “Ageless” showcases a diverse array of inspiring narratives, including that of a 56-year-old blind motorcyclist striving to claim the title of the fastest vision-impaired person on the planet, and a 70-year-old widow single-handedly managing a vast outback property spanning 20,000 hectares.

In the inaugural episode, “As You Age You Get More Cool,” Grey Rogers meets the captivating Sarah Jane Adams, an inner-city Sydney icon celebrated for her audacious style and rebellious spirit. Adams, an international antique jewellery dealer catapulted into Instagram fame in her 50s, emphasizes that every dawn heralds a precious gift and asserts that age should never curtail one’s pursuit of passion or novelty.

“Life’s brevity underscores the importance of continually challenging oneself, regardless of age,” asserts Mrs. Adams. “As you age, you grow increasingly ‘cool’ because you become more attuned to your authentic self. Embrace that authenticity and discard societal expectations dictating how one should age gracefully. If your actions do no harm, follow your heart and lead a life aligned with your truth.”

Commissioned by leading over-50s lifestyle resort developer GemLife, “Ageless” seeks to embolden older Australians to seize life’s opportunities and dismantle outdated stereotypes about ageing. Adrian Puljich, GemLife’s Director and CEO, anticipates the series sparking transformative conversations.

“We envision the show prompting viewers of all ages to reconsider their perceptions of ageing and embrace the notion of agelessness,” asserts Puljich. “In our communities, we witness individuals who defy stereotypes daily, and it’s imperative for the broader community to recognize that age transcends mere numbers. While the conventional defnition of ‘ageless’ suggests appearing younger than one’s years, this series challenges that notion by spotlighting individuals who epitomize the ageless mindset. Each narrative is profoundly personal, and it has been an honour to contribute to such an uplifting series.”

Tune in to “Ageless” airing every Saturday from March 23rd to May 11th on Channel Nine, or stream online via the GemLife website: https:// www.gemlife.com.au/ ageless.