Paula Wilcox: What worries you about getting older?

The question

Originally asked

The Guardian, to a different person each week, The Q&A

A newer fixed question in The Guardian's rotating Q&A pool.

You answer as yourself. Nobody on FLAPSS answers as anybody else.

Recorded said elsewhere, not written here

Not to be able to do the things that you take for granted, like running up the tube steps or going somewhere under your own steam.

The Q&A, The Guardian, 27 June 2026 source ↗

Others on this question

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Tom Burke

Having regrets and not knowing what to do about them.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 23 May 2026 source ↗

Mark Steel

Younger people being amazed that I know what song they’re listening to.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 1 February 2025 source ↗

Erin Doherty

I am genuinely buzzed about it! I think we just keep getting better, smarter, wiser, truer, happier.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 29 March 2025 source ↗

George H. W. Bush 41st President of the United States, 1989–1993

I don't want to be called a senior citizen, I feel like a spring colt. I don't want to be called a has-been, because there's things I want to do in life. But, I've been there and I'd say, "Don't let the bastards get you down." And they don't anymore, I don't talk to them anymore, so they don't get me down. I've got my family, and I've got so many blessings that I don't think I've earned, that I'm a very happy man.

Recorded Academy of Achievement interview, Williamsburg, Virginia, 2 June 1995 source ↗

More from Paula Wilcox

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Question What thought won't let you sleep? Daily life

Anything, because I’m a worrier. Also, if I’m working on a really exciting project, I can be awake like an excited child looking forward to going on holiday.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 27 June 2026 source ↗