BY JAMIE FOSTER
‘Oldenland’ by Roger Clough is a profound and reflective exploration of ageing, approached through the metaphor of a country that we all must learn to navigate. Drawing from over 25 years of experience, Clough combines his background in social care (of which he was Emeritus Professor at Lancaster University), his lifelong passion for hill walking, and personal insights to guide readers through the often uncharted territory of old age.
The book stands out for its nuanced perspective on ageing—not as a period to be feared or merely endured, but as a phase to be understood, embraced, and lived meaningfully. Clough advocates for maintaining our sense of self amid physical and cognitive changes, emphasising that aging is not about losing identity but transforming it. His analogy of old age as a country that requires careful walking and familiarity resonates deeply, especially for those preparing for, or already in, this stage of life.
‘The question of where I am going has followed me throughout my life and now pursues me in Oldenland: what do I want to do? I need to find the answer not in the expectations of others, or in the fantasies of how life might be. I must work out both what I truly want, and of what I am capable‘
A key strength of ‘Oldenland’ is its balanced approach. It moves away from superficial positivity or despair, instead encouraging a realistic acceptance while offering practical advice. Clough integrates insights into social care, highlighting the importance of community, proper support, and the costs involved in caring for the elderly. He underscores that quality social care is essential for enabling older adults to thrive, and that investing in such services is fundamental—not only for individual well-being but for societal sustainability.
The author also emphasises the physical and mental health benefits of walking, advocating it as a vital activity for older adults. Regular walking supports cardiovascular health, maintains mobility, and boosts mental resilience—crucial factors in ageing well. His personal narrative of walking in the Peak District (an area local to him) adds authenticity and reinforces the idea that connecting with nature and staying active are powerful tools in managing life’s later chapters.
‘Today when we talk about a good death, we are far more likely to be thinking of a pain-free ending. In ‘Ode to a Nightingale’, Keats as a young man wrote of his desire ‘to cease upon the midnight with no pain’, words that convey something of the slipping away that many want. He muses on the idea of death as an opportunity to be free from life’s troubles; but caught up in the yearning for death is a recognition of the passing of life, that death means living no more‘
Overall, ‘Oldenland’ is a heartfelt, insightful companion for anyone currently contemplating the phenomenon of ageing—whether personally, or in support of others. It offers a compassionate, practical outlook on how to age with dignity and purpose—a truly valuable addition to the conversation about ageing in our greying society.
‘Oldenland: A Journey in search of the good last years’ by Roger Clough is published by John Murray publishers and is available to purchase here.