The Thursday Murder Club Effect
Reimagining the senior years?
If you live in the UK, you will likely be aware of the excitement around the recent casting of the main characters for first Thursday Murder Club movie.
The Books
The Thursday Murder Club series, by Richard Osmon, has been an astounding literary success. Set in a retirement village it follows the escapades of four residents who form the Thursday Murder Club, which leads them into all sorts of jaunts and japes.
The Movie
Stephen Spielberg purchased the film rights for the series some time ago and with news that the filming was beginning production, directed by Christopher Columbus no less, speculation on the casting of the main characters was rife.
The Cast
This week it was announced that Helen Mirren, Ben Kingsley and Pierce Brosnan will take on the roles of three of the four main characters. The actor who will play the beloved Joyce has, to date, yet to be revealed.
There are so many wonderful actors who could have played any of these roles. The casting for this film was not going to struggle for suitable participants.
The Thursday Club cast may be about to take on one of the most exciting roles of their careers, long after they have passed State Pension Age.
Actors
Actors, generally, don’t retire in the same way that someone in a ‘mainstream’ job may retire. Yet the profession can be a greatly demanding one. For some it may be financial, but I can’t imagine Helen Mirren is struggling for cash. The motivation has to be the work itself.
Pierce is the baby at 70 years, Helen is 78, while Ben is 80. I don’t know about you, but I find this hugely inspiring. Of course, they appear to have been blessed with good health and fitness, which definitely helps, but I have long wondered how much perception of age defines actual aging.
Can you think yourself into old age?
In 2022/23 I worked in a local vaccination centre during their shingles vaccination campaign. The vaccine was offered to all local people between the age of 70 and 79. It was fascinating to observe this age group and the diversity of their aging. Some were very frail and looked very elderly whilst others were coming in in their hiking or running gear, bouncing in the door and looking glam. They were all of a similar socio-economic background. They lived in the same geographical area. Sure their genes may have played a large part in their experience of aging but it did make me wonder how much f it was down to how each individual viewed their age.
Look at the last 2 US Presidents! Both of them septuagenarians when they first gained office. It is incredible that either man could contemplate taking on such a demanding role at that stage in their lives.
Inspirational Seniors
Prue Leith, Bake Off host and all-round bad ass, is incredibly 84 years old. She is goals to me. I love her!
I saw this beautiful BBC news clip on neighbours Josie and Anne who turned 100 on the same day. The joy in their demeanour was wonderful. They didn’t feel old, so they didn’t act old.
Perhaps the popularity of the Thursday Murder Cub will go some way to reimagine what retirement and older age could be. Rather than the pipe and slippers, it could be the age of adventure!
I, for one, am so inspired by the likes of Helen Mirren and Prue Leith. I struggle for motivation sometimes and I’m a comparative baby at 53!
This story contains Affiliate Links. If you choose to use the link and purchase a product through them, Let’s Make Plans may earn a small commission. Thank you for your support.
If you would like to support Let’s Make Plans, and its mission to bring inspiring and interesting content to help you squeeze all the juice out of life, please consider buying me a coffee. Thank you.