Seven Ages of Man, with Michael Rosen: 2. Colm Tóibín's in his 70s

Aging into one's 70s involves a significant shift in perspective regarding masculinity, sexual identity, and physical vulnerability. For celebrated author Colm Tóibín, entering this decade meant confronting the natural decline of sexual drive and the psychological impact of testicular cancer, which necessitated a redefinition of his relationship with his body. Rather than adhering to traditional or stereotypical notions of masculinity, he found liberation in focusing on physical functionality, such as learning to swim, and maintaining a rigorous creative output. This stage of life offers a departure from the societal expectation that older men must become rigid or disapproving. Instead, the 70s represent a time of continued intellectual growth and professional vitality, where the inner life remains a primary focus for artistic expression, proving that creative and personal evolution does not cease with age.