BOLD Voices with Faith Agugu
BOLD Voices is a showcase of inspirational Australians over 50.
We'll learn, have some fun and be inspired.
Today's Voice is Faith Agugu, she is an Australian leader in the global positive ageing movement, which seeks to champion women aged 50 plus and re-define how they approach ageing.
As a mental health professional with a Bachelor Degree in Social Science, majoring in Counselling & Psychotherapy and a passionate advocate for women over 50, Faith launched Silver Sirens, Redefining Ageing, creating an age-positive community to challenge the negative narrative that surrounds women and ageing.
We asked her some questions to get her unique and inspiring view of the world. We started off easy :)
| Q. Top books or movies you think everyone should read/watch |
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| Q. Favourite place in the world you’ve visited and a place you would still love to visit? |
| I visited Lagos, Istanbul, and Rimini, Italy. Still to Visit: Japan, Senegal, Mali |
| Q. If you could live in any period, which one would you choose and why? |
| Right now, it is good; what a ride. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. |
| Q. 3 historical figures with whom to have a dinner party? |
| Hellen Keller, Mansa Musa, Maya Angelou |
And now a bit of a deep dive into Faith's healthy aging philosophies, habits and actions.
| Q. What healthy habits have you adopted that made the most significant impact on your well-being? |
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Without a doubt, Meditation!!! (...and Drinking BOLD:) haha) The healthy habit that has made the most significant impact on my well-being is meditation. By incorporating regular meditation into my routine, I have experienced profound improvements in all aspects of my life. Meditation has helped me enhance my mental clarity, allowing me to approach challenges calmly and composedly. It has also reduced my stress levels and provided me with a more profound inner peace. I've become more aware of my thoughts and emotions through mindfulness techniques, enabling me to respond thoughtfully rather than impulsively. Consistent meditation practice has been transformative and undoubtedly had the most substantial impact on my mental, emotional, and physical health. |
"As I've grown older, my health priorities have shifted significantly. While I've always valued physical and mental well-being, I've recognized the importance of adaptability and resilience as I age."
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Q. What do you think you do that's different to other people? |
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One aspect that sets me apart from others is my genuine excitement about getting older, an attitude quite different from many of my friends and other women I know. This unique perspective has led me to create Silver Sirens, a positive ageing community that challenges traditional notions of ageing. My positive outlook on aging is rooted in my belief that age is not a limitation but a celebration of life experiences, wisdom, and growth. Rather than fearing the process, I embrace it as an opportunity for continued self-discovery, connection, and personal development. By founding Silver Sirens, I aim to create a supportive and empowering environment where women can share their experiences, support one another, and celebrate the joys and challenges of ageing. This community is a testament to my belief that age should not be seen as a barrier but an opportunity for growth, resilience, and ongoing self-discovery. |
"One piece of advice that has profoundly impacted me is the distinction between having a transactional relationship with life versus a devotional relationship with life. This concept has completely transformed my perspective and approach to living."
| Q. How have your health priorities changed over the years? |
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As I've grown older, my health priorities have shifted significantly. This focus on mobility has led me to explore various forms of exercise and movement, such as yoga, Pilates, and regular walks. |
| Q. How do you approach maintaining mental and emotional health? |
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My approach involves a combination of various practices, including:
I've learned to manage my thoughts and emotions more effectively with meditation, which helps maintain balance and inner peace. Physical exercise contributes to physical health, releases endorphins, and improves mood. I'm better equipped to manage stress and maintain positive emotional well-being by incorporating regular movement into my routine. Surrounding myself with positive, nurturing relationships provides a sense of belonging and fosters emotional resilience. Lastly, engaging in spiritual practices, such as prayer, gratitude journaling, or spending time in nature, helps me feel connected to something greater than myself and promotes a more profound sense of purpose and fulfilment. |
"I have adopted intermittent fasting as my dietary practice, which has significantly transformed my life and helped me lose 6kg of menopause-related weight gain."
| Q. What advice have you received or read that’s made a big impact on you? |
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One piece of advice that has profoundly impacted me is the distinction between having a transactional relationship with life versus a devotional relationship with life. This concept has completely transformed my perspective and approach to living. In a transactional relationship with life, I found myself constantly trying to control outcomes, fearing uncertainty, and feeling stressed when things didn't go as planned. This mindset left me feeling drained and disconnected from the present moment. However, when I shifted my perspective to a devotional relationship with life, I began to trust in the unfolding of life's journey and embraced the unknown. I experienced a newfound sense of freedom, peace, and fulfilment by relinquishing the need for control and allowing life to unfold naturally. This shift in perspective has reduced stress and anxiety, deepened my connection with the present moment, and helped me appreciate the beauty and magic of life's unpredictability. |
| Q. Do you follow any specific dietary practices or philosophies, and why? |
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I have adopted intermittent fasting as my dietary practice, which has significantly transformed my life and helped me lose 6kg of menopause-related weight gain. By eating within an 8-hour window, from 12 pm to 8 pm each day, I've experienced numerous health benefits and improved my overall well-being. |
| Q. What was the scariest thing you’ve done in the last 12 months? |
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The bravest thing I've done in the last 12 months is returning to Lagos, Nigeria, my country of birth, after a 50-year absence. Leaving Nigeria at 9 and returning at 59 was an emotionally charged decision, as I felt a deep desire to reconnect with my roots before turning 60. The prospect of returning to a place that had remained a distant memory for most of my life was both thrilling and terrifying. There were many unknowns, such as how the country had changed, how I would be received, and what emotions would surface upon my return. However, despite the fear and uncertainty, I leapt and embarked on this journey of self-discovery and reconnection. Returning to Nigeria allowed me to explore my cultural heritage, understand my past more deeply, and form new connections with the people and land that shaped my early years. |
"I have established key habits and routines that set the tone for my day. I start early, waking up at 5 am for an invigorating ocean swim. After my swim, I dedicate time to my meditation practice, which allows me to cultivate inner peace, focus, and emotional resilience."
| Q. What habits or routines do you practice to maintain a positive and productive mindset? |
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I have established key habits and routines that set the tone for my day. I start early, waking up at 5 am for an invigorating ocean swim. This physical activity energises me, connects me with nature, and helps clear my mind. After my swim, I dedicate time to my meditation practice, which allows me to cultivate inner peace, focus, and emotional resilience. By starting my day with these self-care rituals, I create a solid foundation for the rest of the day. Following meditation, I prioritise reviewing my finances, ensuring that all transactions from the previous day are correct. This routine helps me stay organised and accountable and reduces stress by clearly understanding my financial standing. |
| Q. Any advice or quotes that particularly inspire you? |
| Maya Angelou: "My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humour, and some style". |
All about Silver Sirens
Silver sirens is a community for women. Transforming the narrative around ageing and embracing the journey in an inclusive community where everyone ages on their own terms.
As we age, isolation and loneliness affect us, so we have several in-person events and a virtual sanctuary. We hold weekly webinars and master classes. Our platform is curated by aging women for aging women. We’re very inclusive.
We also have younger women who come to us because they want role models. I want those women to know it doesn’t end when you reach 50. There’s a whole life ahead.
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