What excites you most about getting older? 

“The ability to contribute,” Don says without hesitation. “My father, who served in the church, decided at 90 that he had fulfilled his purpose. He walked into the hospital and told them he was ready to die. Two days later, he passed away. They didn’t even know what to put on his death certificate.” 

It’s a story that underpins Don’s belief in the power of purpose. “I need to feel useful to society. People ask why I’m still involved in business, and I say I’ll stop when I’m no longer contributing.” 

Five years ago, at 80, Don was even offered a full-time job with a significant salary. He preferred part-time work, but when bureaucracy got in the way, he simply did the work anyway. His energy and determination don’t just challenge traditional expectations of ageing— they redefine what’s possible for all of us in a world where longer lives mean new opportunities, not limitations.  

Does anything worry you about ageing? 

“I don’t worry, because worry is debilitating,” Don states firmly. “But I do have concerns, and concerns can be addressed.” His main focus? Staying fit and healthy. “Obesity is a major issue, largely due to ultra-processed foods. It’s linked to numerous health problems — cancer, heart disease, arthritis.” His advice is simple but direct: “If you want to avoid being taken down by illnesses, get rid of obesity. It shortens your life.” 

What motivated you to join the Voice community? 

“I’ve been with Voice from the very beginning,” Don recalls. His background in strategic planning and business development proved useful in Voice’s early days, but it’s the exposure to cutting-edge research that keeps him engaged. “I love gaining insights into new technology. I ran Epson, the Japanese printer company in the UK, for years, so I understand the world of electronics. I’ve grown up with the internet, and now I’m actively using artificial intelligence.” 

He sees AI as the biggest breakthrough of his lifetime. “I thought the internet was revolutionary — but AI is going to change the world.” 

Beyond that, Don has his own project in the works, one that could make a significant impact on people with dementia and those experiencing isolation. “It started 17 years ago, but the technology wasn’t there yet. Now it is. I need the attention of Google or Amazon to make it happen.” 

His challenge? Getting his voice heard. “Thousands of people call Google every day with ideas. But through Voice and the National Innovation Centre for Ageing, I have a chance to break through the noise.” 

Can you share a Voice opportunity that was especially fulfilling for you? 

Don recalls a pivotal moment. “The first Voice project I attended involved a researcher who was told by her supervisor to present her work to laypeople. She clearly didn’t want to be there.” Her presentation was full of technical jargon, and she seemed disengaged  — until Voice members started asking questions. “At first, she was dumbstruck. But then she started answering. More questions came in — fast and challenging. By the end of the hour, there was silence. Then she said, ‘I’m so glad I came here today. You’ve challenged me. I have a lot to change. Thank you.’” That moment solidified Don’s belief in Voice. “People want to contribute. They can make a real difference.” 

Why should businesses engage with real people? 

“As a businessman myself, I know it’s vital to engage with real people,” Don says. “Too many techies create a product thinking, ‘Everyone will want this!’ Then they launch it, and no one buys it. Why? Because they looked for customers too late.” instead of thinking customers and their needs, wants and desires first, then looking to develop solutions.  

His advice is clear: “Start with what people actually need. Voice helps businesses avoid wasting time and money on products nobody wants. Instead, they create things people genuinely need.” 

What would you say to someone thinking about joining Voice? 

“I’d tell them the story I just shared. And I’d say: If you have an inquiring mind, if you can express your thoughts clearly, if you want to contribute to society  — then Voice is for you.” Don believes that involvement in Voice is empowering. “What more could you ask for? Especially if you’re retired and thinking, ‘Is that it?’ No, it isn’t. With Voice, it could be just the beginning.” 

And if someone doubts their ability to contribute? Don shares another story. “We had a guy who spent 40 years cleaning windows. You might wonder what he could offer. But he had a social conscience. In is work he met people — some elderly, alone, or unwell. He’d spot when something was wrong and take action.” His message is simple: “Everyone has something to contribute. You don’t need to be an expert — you just need to think and express yourself.” 

The Value of Curiosity 

For Don, curiosity is key. “It’s intellectual food for your mind. You need that just as much as nutritious food for your body.” His involvement in Voice keeps his mind fertile. “Researchers come along with some of the weirdest things, and I think, ‘that’s different.’ So I listen, I learn. And while I’m learning, I can contribute. That’s the magic of Voice — it’s a two-way street.”