The Power of Speaking Up
After years abroad, Christine and her husband settled back in the UK and recognised the importance of family support as they aged. Before her husband fell ill, they had moved to Kingston upon Thames to be closer to their daughters — a decision she’s grateful for, as it provided a strong support network during and after his passing. She now lives in the same block as one of her daughters.
“We planned to share a house, but my daughter quickly changed her mind. This is a good compromise,” she says. “My husband passed within five years of moving here, and being close to my daughters has been invaluable. They’ve been a great support — one is even my IT consultant! I joke that people should rent out their grandchildren to help the older generation with technology.”
Perspective and Wisdom
Christine finds that getting older brings a valuable sense of perspective. “You see the long view of things — how past events shape the present,” she reflects. From historical economic shifts to changes in societal attitudes, Christine appreciates the ability to connect past and present in meaningful ways. “Young people sometimes act as if history started with the latest social app,” she says with a chuckle.
Independence and Change
Despite the wisdom that comes with age, Christine acknowledges the challenges too. “Losing physical fitness — and the fear of dementia,” she shares. She has watched friends struggle with memory loss and has grappled with the question of how best to support them. “At some point, you wonder if visiting them helps or just causes distress. Now I mostly send cards, so they and their caregivers know someone still cares.”
Why Christine Joined
Christine’s involvement in Voice was driven by her desire to make officials hear what ordinary people think. Living near the Thames, she witnessed the degradation of a once-thriving wildlife habitat due to corporate interests. “That’s one of the reasons I got involved in Voice — to push back and make sure our voices are heard.”
The Power of Contribution
For Christine, participating in Voice opportunities provides a sense of empowerment. “Occasionally, you see something you’ve suggested happen, and you think, ‘Well, it probably wasn’t just me — others must have thought it was a good idea too.’ It’s like a groundswell of opinion.”
She also enjoys surveys, treating them as a productive break. “I use them the way some people play computer games — as a way to reset my brain between other tasks.”
Why Businesses Should Listen
Christine firmly believes that businesses should prioritise real-world perspectives. “I think it’s important to put forward constructive suggestions rather than just moan.” She values solutions-oriented discussions and encourages people to take part and get involved.
Encouraging Others to Get Involved
When asked why people should join Voice, Christine’s answer is simple: “It’s a brilliant initiative, and I’m happy to continue supporting it.” She appreciates that Voice provides different levels of engagement, from quick surveys to larger projects, allowing people to contribute in ways that fit their lifestyle.
Christine is also passionate about intergenerational connections. “We once had a meeting on climate matters where the young people expected the older group to be highly knowledgeable and intimidating, while the older group assumed the same about the younger participants. In reality, we all had gaps in our knowledge —and a lot in common.” She sees great potential in building understanding across generations.
Final Thoughts
For Christine, being part of Voice is about making a difference. “As I have got older, I can’t do as many physical things, so it’s nice to feel like you’re still making a difference.” Her journey is a great example of the power of speaking up and ensuring that every voice, regardless of age, is heard and valued.
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