Does ageing inevitably lead to physical and mental decline, loneliness, and becoming “useless”? It needn’t. Dr. Hannetjie van Zyl-Edeling discusses scientific studies proving that we have control over several ageing processes – provided we know what we can do and actually make the effort. Learn how to examine and edit your beliefs, develop your social portfolio, reduce stress and use exercise to help remodel your brain.

If you are new to podcasts, simply click on the arrow to listen to Hannetjie and Mariette, or on the download button to download the conversation onto your device.

In episode 20 of the weekly podcast series Calm, Clear & Helpful, Hannetjie debunks 3 myths:

Myth #1: Ageing equals decline and leads to suffering and death

Myth #2: At some stage, life will stagnate

Myth #3: An old dog cannot learn new tricks

Hannetjie explains

• that our genes are not our destiny

• how to prevent the fear of abandonment from becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy

• why joking about ageing can backfire

• how a group of nuns contributed to neuroscience

• how to foster a steady supply of oxytocin, the connection hormone

• Hannetjie’s “little system called dog-training” (which also works for children and husbands)

• an essential ingredient of every stress reduction programme

• Hannetjie’s three best tips on positive ageing.

In this episode, Hannetjie mentions the following books:

Ageing with Grace by David Snowden and Counter-clockwise by Ellen Langer.

Read dr. Christiane Northrup’s advice on changing your mindset and lifestyle to grow older with gusto.

Hannetjie explains how we can optimise our physical, psychological, financial and social “portfolios” to ensure quality of life in our later years - the earlier, the better.

Hannetjie clarifies the issue of emotional eating and what our subconscious may be trying to tell us when we carry excess weight.

Here Hannetjie explains how to best handle conflict in your personal relationships.

Read Hannetjie’s practical tips for reducing stress and keeping calm in these turbulent times.

Read Hannetjie’s heart-felt thoughts on motherhood.

Social entrepreneur Marilyn Hallett discusses the challenges - and potential! - of 60-plussers.

The free podcast series Calm, Clear & Helpful is available on iTunes, Spotify, Player FM and Iono.fm.

Vind uit wat Hannetjie te sê het oor ‘n gelukkige huwelik, haar eie “bron van goud” en kry ‘n kykie in haar skilderwerk.

Contact details

Dr. Hannetjie van Zyl-Edeling is a Counselling Psychologist with a private practice, an accredited Mediator and an author who lives and works in Johannesburg:

Tel. 0824604575

Website www.drhannetjie.co.za

Email address han@emlct.com

Podcast music by Mart-Marie Snyman.

Image: Unsplash.

Photograph of Dr. Hannetjie van Zyl-Edeling: supplied.

Please note:

These podcasts are intended purely for educational purposes and should never replace professional evaluation or discussion.

If you have suicidal thoughts, phone the free SADAG helpline at 0800 567 567 or SMS 31393 (both available 24/7) or contact a qualified medical professional.