We will all get old, if we are lucky. Aging is a privilege, but facing up to the inevitable lifestyle changes, could leave some of us in denial. Steven Petrow is an award-winning journalist and author, best known for his candid essays in the Washington Post and New York Times, focussing on what it’s like to grow old. In this LLAMA podcast interview, recorded at TEDMED, Steven reflects on the aging process through the eyes of his parents and his own aspirations. He also discusses the challenges posed by loneliness, declining mobility and old age for LGBTQ people. Check out our home page at LLAMApodcast.com Twitter: @llamapodcastIn this interview we cover:Lessons and stories from the way parents live and age.Family tensions and a father’s frustration at growing old. Defiance over getting old.Like father, like son - shared traits as we age.Stupid things we won’t do as we get old.Illness denial and death denial.Acting our age. Is death to be feared or is it just another stage of life. Slow down and retire or turn 60 and speed up. Multi-generational living, to stay young at heart.Staying busy and living long. The scourge on loneliness. Why the LGBTQ Stonewall generation is being forced back into the closet as they seek care in assisted living facilities. FlexBeam red light therapyRecharge Health is offering LLAMA listeners an $80.00 discount on the purchase of FlexBeam, the wearable red light therapy device which targets key parts of the body to improve sleep, treat injuries and sooth aches and pains associated with aging.  Use code LLAMA at checkout- DoNotAgeDoNotAge.org is offering listeners to LLAMA a 10% discount on its range of products – NAD boosters, Sirtuin activators, senolytics and more.  Any health queries can be answered by emailing the team at hello@donotage.orgUse the code LLAMA at checkout. - Time-line Mitopure (a highly pure form of Urolithin A) boosts the health of our mitochondria – the battery packs of our cells – and improves muscle strength. Time-line is offering LLAMA listeners a 10% discount on its range of products – Mitopure powders, softgels & skin creams.  Use the code LLAMA at checkout-Support the showThe Live Long and Master Aging (LLAMA) podcast, a HealthSpan Media LLC production, shares ideas but does not offer medical advice. If you have health concerns of any kind, or you are considering adopting a new diet or exercise regime, you should consult your doctor.