Interview With Joan Virginia Allen on her Memoir Navigating Dynamic Aging
As you may know, my mom is the reason I created our coach training program (www.mclarencoaching.com/coach-training). She is also so many other things, one of which is a bold stand for healthy and dynamic aging – at all the ages. She has done so many things in her life to learn and to share her learning on aging (and other things!). She finally summed it all up in her new memoir. We sat down and talked about it. Here is what she said!
What inspired you to write Navigating Dynamic Aging?
When I was 78, I co-authored the internationally acclaimed book, Dynamic Aging: Simple Exercises for Whole-Body Mobility. It has sold over 50,000 copies worldwide. It identified a way of life for me.
Five years later, my husband and I trained to do a daunting hike at 86 and 84. While on the hike, a gentleman stopped us, asking how old we were. He revealed he was 77 and he thought this was the last time he would do the hike because of his age. He walked away inspired to keep doing it as long as possible.
What I saw was a change from focusing on chronological age to getting curious about what might be possible at any age. This reflects a cultural shift which I recognize in my life’s journey. I wanted to share my experiences to get readers curious about what’s important to them as they are aging.
How would you describe the central message of your memoir?
It’s about discovering what dynamic aging means. It will mean something different for everyone. As I describe in my memoir, I began living it early on. I began to identify it when we wrote Dynamic Aging. It evolved when I became a coach at 80 as the first enrollee in McLaren Coaching Transformative Coaching Essentials. I was dynamically aging as I discovered what it meant. The lifestyle I was choosing was revealed more fully when my husband and I embarked upon a year-long adventure in our mid-80s, propelled by curiosity to see what was possible, the courage to take risks, and sustained by the commitment to do whatever it took to realize our vision. My invitation to readers is to shift your vision from chronological age to what’s possible at any age.
What does “dynamic aging” mean to you and how has that definition evolved?
When we wrote Dynamic Aging, I believed physical movement was the key to dynamic aging. I still believe it is fundamental to the process. As years have passed, I am learning it’s a state or way of “being” that encompasses physical, mental, emotional and spiritual movement. Maintaining a constant state of curiosity and wonder.
Were there any surprising discoveries or insights that emerged during the writing process?
The final chapter helped me clarify why I am “driven” to dynamically age. For me it’s about curiosity, courage, commitment, challenge and compassion. It’s the power of intention – making a commitment, taking action, and witnessing the resulting magic.
Can you share a pivotal moment from your memoir that shaped your perspective on aging?
First, I read a book when I turned 60 called We Live Too Short and Die Too Long by Walter M. Bortz, II, MD, about our potential to live healthy, active and productive well past 100 years of age. My husband and I set an intention to live as if we were going to make it to 120 and it changed our whole perspective on aging.
Then when we wrote Dynamic Aging, I realized that was the lifestyle I had chosen and was living.
How has your own experience of aging informed your coaching practice?
My experience of being genuinely curious about life has kept me growing and learning which led me to coach training at 80 and creating my coaching business, Coaching Dynamic Aging.
What challenges did you face while writing, and how did you overcome them?
No surprise – my biggest challenge was my sabotaging voice, Sarah, my constant companion, telling me “You’re too old!” What kept me going was learning in coach training that she is not my voice of wisdom. She has a positive intent to keep me safe but if I listen to her, I will never take a risk or make a change. I included her as an active “character” in my memoir because I believe we all have a sabotaging voice. I chose to notice when Sarah was the voice in my head, set her aside, and focus on the action to complete my vision.
How do you as a coach support clients in embracing aging as a dynamic process?
- By asking genuinely curious questions about how they see themselves aging and how they would like to see themselves aging.
- By asking why this is important to them.
- By listening carefully and reflecting back what I hear them saying so they can hear themselves.
- Helping them recognize their sabotaging voice.
- By partnering with them in a way that is open, inquisitive and challenging so they are empowered to get the results they want.
What tools or practices do you recommend for cultivating vitality and purpose later in life?
Exploring your WHY – what is it that drives you? Setting aside the focus on chronological and societal narratives about aging. Being curious and exploring possibilities, finding the courage to take risks, and the commitment to do whatever it takes to shape your own path.
How might your memoir serve as a resource for clients navigating transitions?
My memoir serves as a resource by being a reminder that each of us is unique with unique gifts to share. By finding the courage and the willingness to be vulnerable and letting our light shine, we give others the permission to do the same.
What do you hope readers will take away from your story?
The curiosity to start their own adventure of dynamic aging – no matter what age. Become part of the cultural shift that is challenging the limitations of chronological age and embrace life as an evolving adventure. Join the individuals with the curiosity to explore, the courage to take risks, and the commitment to shape their own path. Find your passion and go for it!
Are there any upcoming projects or events related to the book?
- There’s a book launch scheduled at Book Passages Bookstore at 51 Tamal Vista, Blvd., Corte Madera, CA 94925 on Saturday, October 11, 2025 at 2 pm and everyone is invited.
- A podcast episode on coaching colleague Nicole Radoumis Lips of Steel.
- There is an open invitation for people to subscribe to and submit their story about how they see themselves dynamically aging for possible publication in our on-line Dynamic Aging 4 Life Magazine at dynamicaging4life.com
How may people contact you?
I am available as a speaker, podcast and talk show guest, and for book signings. I can be contacted at joan@dynamicaging4life.com.
I am available as a coach at www.dynamicaging4life.com.
