Episode 33: Tick tock, biological clock for the last time (Part 3)

Explicit content warning

08/25/21 • 34 min

The last episode on biological clocks with guest Tas, mom and health care professional. Biological clocks - while they exist of course - are morphing in definition and perception. In this episode, conversation delves into egg freezing as an option to delay having children and the consequences of having children at a later age. Sim brings up her experience growing up with really young parents who were the first among their friends to have children, Tas worries about whether she'll be around to see her grandchildren, and Shiv explains the science behind the quality of women's eggs and men's sperm, and if/how they are impacted by age (you'll hear about mutant chromosomes, mutant cells and placentas!).

Enjoy!

Enjoy!

Previous Episode

Episode 32: Tick tock, biological clock again! (Part 2)

Sim and Shiv continue the conversation on biological clocks with Tas, their 43 year old friend who balances the craziness of motherhood with the craziness of a full time job! Tas reminisces about about the magical, weird and scary period of pregnancy - when random strangers would want to touch her belly, it felt like an alien had taken over her body and she developed a random allergy.

The trio also chat about the idea of being whole only once you have kids - how true is that? It's true that economic independence, focus on career or other options (egg freezing!) gives people the freedom to delay having children, or even decide it's not for them. But let's not forget that there are those who want children and are unable to have them.

And then there's climate change! A lot of people - men, women, other - wonder if it's worth having children with the acceleration of climate change. Are they being selfish bringing kids into this world? Or are they being selfish if they don't? Besides - will the next generation be upset with us for letting the world get to this state?

Tune in and find out!

Next Episode

Episode 34: Aging and the dreaded 'N' word

This week Sim and Shiv decide to have a discussion around nursing homes. Sim comes across a number of articles reporting on nursing homes that cater to different cultures, something that will become more important as our population continues to diversify, and as that diverse population gets older. They talk about their attitudes towards their own care as they get older and how this may (or may not) differ from their parents' (and/or their culture's) attitudes towards the care of older adults. Shiv discusses her (possibly morbid) thoughts on her own end-of-life care and the life experiences that shaped these beliefs. Sim acknowledges that these types of conversations bring about a lot of anxiety, but hopefully talking things through will help lessen it over time. Hey, that's why this podcast was started in the first place! Feel free to write in to us at [email protected] or message us on Instagram (@doesthismakemelookold) to let us know your thoughts on nursing homes, end-of-life care, or how your culture views taking care of older adults. We'd love to hear from you!