Preserving older voices one conversation at a time.
Wisdom of the Ages is a video interview series capturing the memories, reflections and life lessons of people in later life.
About the project
Pick a card...
Wisdom of the Ages invites people aged 70 and over to sit down with host Oli for an intimate, unscripted conversation.
Rather than a formal interview, participants are asked to draw cards and answer questions about life, love, loss and everything in between. There are 100 cards in total so every interview is different.
Episodes are edited into 10-15 minute YouTube films, with multiple bite-size clips for social media - designed to drive more views to the full length interview.
70
The age at which most people are written off by mainstream media - and the age at which our conversations begin.
0%
The share of social media content created specifically to celebrate the perspective of older generations. We're here to change that.
Infinite
The number of stories waiting to be told by people who have lived full, rich, fascinating lives and have never been asked to share them.
Our Mission
The Why
In our youth-obsessed society, older people have become invisible.
Rarely do we see anyone over the age of 70 on TV playing anything other than a grandparent, dementia patient or evil old villain.
On social media, older voices are even more absent. We're inundated with influencers, gurus and soulless A.I content, but very little actual substance.
We have more information and less wisdom than ever.
In previous generations, and in many cultures today, elders were revered as wise and respected heads of their communities. Yet today they are ignored, sidelined and treated as an inconvenient reminder of our own mortality.
Wisdom of the Ages sets out to change that. By capturing the insights, stories and life lessons of people aged 70+, and sharing them on the platforms where they are least visible, we hope to shift the way modern audiences view ageing: from denial to celebration.
Watch The Pilot
See it for yourself.
Watch our pilot episode with 75 year old Peter, whose conversation with Oli moves from hard-won life wisdom to honest reflections on loneliness and alcohol. Poignant, heartwarming and completely unguarded - a portrait of a life fully lived.
Social Media Edits
Each episode will also have multiple bite-size snippets, formatted specifically for social media, to drive more views to the full length interview.
Who We Are Looking For
We want to hear from you!
We're looking for people in the UK who would like to share their wisdom and have their story told.
We want to paint a full portrait of modern society, so are looking for people from all walks of life to capture the full spectrum of race, gender, religion and lived experience.
If you, or someone you know, might be interested - please contact us via the Application Form at the bottom of this page.
HOW IT WORKS
What happens next?
If you are interested in being interviewed for Wisdom of the Ages, here is the simple 4-step process.
1. Get In Touch
Fill out our Get Involved form to express interest. We will get back to you within 2 working days via email to arrange a time to chat.
2. Quick Video Call
We will arrange a quick 30 minute video call (via Google Meet) to get to know each other and find out if this project would be a good fit for you and us. (This is not the interview itself, just a preliminary chat to get to know one another and is not recorded).
If we are both happy to move forward, you will be sent a simple consent form to review and sign.
3. Filming
If you are happy to go ahead, you will be invited to a recording day at a professional recording studio near King's Cross, London (full details provided once the session is arranged).
Sessions last approximately 2 hours, although the actual interview will only be about 1 hour (the rest of the time is to allow you arrive and get settled in without feeling flustered).
You are also very welcome to bring a family member, friend or carer for support on the day if you like.
4. Editing & Publish
We then shape the conversation into a beautifully edited episode, preserving what you say whilst condensing it down to a 10-15 minute episode.
Your episode will then go live on YouTube and social media for the world to see and hear.
You will also receive a full version of the entire un-edited interview that you can give to family members to share with future generations.
The Host
Oli Corse
Creator & Host, Wisdom of the Ages
Oli Corse is the creator and host of Wisdom of the Ages. After personal events caused him to reassess how he views ageing and mortality, Oli created the series to preserve older voices and give them the platform, attention and respect they deserve.
With a background in storytelling and digital content, Oli brings a warm, unhurried approach to every conversation. A genuine fascination with other people's lives creates an environment where participants feel comfortable opening up and sharing their authentic selves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your questions answered
Who is eligible?
We want to speak to people from all walks of life. The only criteria are that you are aged 70 (or near to that age) and able to get to London in person for your recording session.
Is it only for people aged 70?
No, there is also no upper limit, so if people are in their 80s, 90s or even 100s we would love to speak to you!
70 is also a guideline - we are also happy to speak to people in their 60s if they are interested in participating.
Do I need to prepare anything?
Not at all. There's nothing to learn, memorise or prepare. Just turn up, and we'll take care of everything from there.
What kind of questions will I be asked?
Questions are drawn at random from a box of 100 cards, covering themes like love, loss, regret, achievements, advice and life experience.
The questions are philosophical ones such as "If you could go back in time and give yourself one piece of advice, what would that be?"
Will I be asked to share personal information?
No. Your safety and privacy are a priority. We won't ask for sensitive personal information such as full names, addresses, dates of birth or other identifying details during the interview. Only your first name will be used, and if you'd prefer, you're very welcome to use an alias instead.
Where do I need to get to?
All filming takes place at TYX Studios in London.
The studio is about a 10 minute walk from Caledonian Road, or a 20 minute walk from King's Cross.
However, the studio offers a complimentary car service that can pick you up and drop you back off at King's Cross. If you would like to take advantage of this, please let us know and we can arrange this for you.
Is it accessible?
There is a small flight of 20 steps down to the studio, with a sturdy bannister. However there is also a wheelchair ramp and alternative access if this is an issue.
Is there air conditioning?
Yes! You'll be pleased to hear that in this increasingly hot weather, the studio is deliciously cool and air conditioned!
When will sessions take place?
Recording sessions will initially take place during July and August 2026.
If you're interested, please fill out the Get Involved form below and we'll be in touch to discuss availability and confirm a date and time that works for you.
How long does it take?
Each session is booked for up to two hours, though the interview itself typically runs to around one hour. The extra time means you can arrive, settle in and get comfortable without feeling rushed.
Can I bring someone with me?
Absolutely. If you have a family member, friend, carer or anyone else you would like to bring with you for support on the day, you are very welcome. Please note due to studio size, this is currently restricted to on person only.
Where will my episode be published?
Your episode will be edited into a short film and published on the Wisdom of the Ages YouTube channel and audio on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, with clips shared on social media.
You'll also receive a copy of your full, unedited interview - yours to keep and share with family and future generations.
Does it cost anything to take part?
Nothing at all. We cover the cost of the studio and all editing.
Please note: We will never ask you for money - so if anyone contacts you claiming to be from Wisdom of the Ages and asks for payment, please ignore them and report it to us immediately.
Will I get paid?
There is no fee for participating, but we do offer a contribution of up to £25 towards travel expenses.
Can I change my mind after filming?
We ask that participants are committed to the project before their session takes place - however if you have any concerns at any stage, please get in touch and we'll do our best to help.
GET IN TOUCH
Apply to be interviewed!
Whether you're interested in taking part as a participant, or you represent an organisation whose members might want to be involved, we'd love to hear from you.
We're particularly keen to hear from U3A groups, faith groups, community organisations, libraries, care associations, and similar networks across the UK.
To get in touch, simply fill out the form or email info@wisdomoftheages.co.uk