Fearless Aging
Pieter-Dirk Uys Discusses Life, Love and Laughter
Pieter-Dirk Uys, a beloved figure in South African theatre, has spent decades using humour as a weapon against fear and ignorance. In a recent candid conversation on the Rocktirement Podcast series created by Circle Senior Living, Pieter-Dirk opened up about the transformative power of laughter, the wisdom of ageing and his unrelenting advocacy for social causes. His reflections provide a heartfelt reminder of the importance of living authentically, facing fears head-on and cherishing the present moment.
Finding light in darker times
Born in 1945 in Cape Town, Pieter-Dirk is recognised as one of South Africa’s most prominent cultural figures. He began his career in theatre, quickly gaining fame for his sharp wit and fearless approach to political and social commentary. During the apartheid era, he employed satire to critique the government, emerging as a vocal opponent of the oppressive regime. His most notable character, Evita Bezuidenhout, a fictional Afrikaner socialite, satirised the absurdities of apartheid and later became a symbol of post-apartheid South Africa.
For Pieter-Dirk, humour is not merely entertainment, it is a powerful mechanism for disarming fear and navigating life’s darkest moments. In the podcast, the entertainer reflects on how humour is a vital tool for confronting life’s challenges. He explains: “Humour isn’t just about jokes. It’s about facing fear head-on and laughing at it so it becomes less intimidating. Fear is never taller than you, it only grows if you look away from it.”
Living and loving in the moment
In his reflections on ageing, Pieter-Dirk articulates a powerful philosophy: “My year used to be 365 days, but now it’s just two – today and tomorrow. That’s all that matters now. If one’s baskets are full today, there is no need to worry about the future.”
In a candid moment, Pieter-Dirk discusses his relationship, saying: “I’m blessed to be married to a man 22 years younger than me. It means I’m 22 years younger than I really am!” His light-hearted yet profound reflection on love highlights how his partnership infuses vibrancy and joy into his life, challenging societal norms surrounding age and relationships. This sentiment emphasises the importance of love in shaping attitudes toward ageing and retirement.
Saving lives through humour
Pieter-Dirk’s influence extends beyond satire. He has been a steadfast advocate for HIV/AIDS education, using humour to dismantle stigmas and promote awareness. His advocacy efforts have touched millions, reaching schoolchildren and communities across South Africa. Throughout the years, he has maintained his status as a crucial cultural figure, employing humour to tackle challenging issues and question societal norms. Today, he continues to perform, write and advocate for various social causes, reinforcing his legacy as a fearless voice for change.
One of his most significant contributions has been his activism during the HIV/AIDS crisis. He recalls: “When HIV/AIDS came, I feared it deeply. But I took that fear and turned it into advocacy. I spoke to millions of kids, saying what no one else wanted to say.” His courageous approach to education has had a lasting impact on public health awareness, cementing his reputation as an outspoken advocate willing to confront uncomfortable topics.
Challenging stereotypes to ‘rock’ retirement
Pieter-Dirk also emphasises the importance of valuing the wisdom of older generations, expressing: “We ignore the wisdom of older people at our own peril. There’s a treasure trove of experience in ageing that young people must not overlook.” This message serves as a powerful reminder for younger audiences to appreciate and learn from the insights of their elders, particularly in a society that often marginalises the contributions of older individuals.
Pieter-Dirk’s appearance on Circle Senior Living’s recently launched Rocktirement Podcast offers a unique glimpse into the mindset of a man who consistently challenges stereotypes. On the subject of retirement and ageing, Pieter-Dirk believes that retirement signifies not a time to slow down, but rather a redirection toward what truly matters: Love, advocacy, courage and present living. His perspective resonates with the podcast’s mission to inspire listeners to view retirement as a new chapter brimming with potential rather than a conclusion.
“I found Pieter-Dirk’s philosophy around life and how humour can be such a powerful weapon to disarm and change mindsets so inspiring. Just like Ruda and Dr Ali Bacher, it is abundantly clear that Pieter-Dirk is still living with purpose and joie de vivre in his later years, which reinforces what we are trying to achieve through this podcast series and the Circle Senior Living offering that looks to challenge outdated stereotypes around retirement and ageing. Despite this being such a newly launched podcast series, we are already seeing massive engagement around the interviews, thanks to the three truly phenomenal South African living legends who agreed to open up to us and share their insights and stories… and there’s more to come!,” explains Gidon Novick, a non-executive director at Circle Senior Living, who hosts the Rocktirement podcasts. Novick is also known for his entrepreneurial ventures that include the founding of South Africa’s first low-cost airline, Kulula, as well as Home Suite Hotels and, more recently, LIFT airline.
According to Mr Novick, Circle Senior Living, with its innovative approach to senior living, is committed to shifting societal perceptions about ageing and is determined to change the narrative. Through thought-provoking conversations with icons like Pieter-Dirk, the Rocktirement series offers inspiration for people of all ages, proving that there’s no expiration date on living a life filled with passion and purpose. Don’t miss the latest episodes featuring engaging dialogues with Pieter-Dirk and other cherished South African personalities. Subscribe to the Rocktirement podcast for monthly episodes celebrating the dynamic lives and stories of South Africa’s senior legends.
To listen to the full podcast click here:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4lQrzXjCv1HOpV7mDg9WKb?si=8541cfb4782a41a3
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