Pirkko Mannola discusses aging mindset and challenges in interview from Finland

Actress Pirkko Mannola laughs when asked about good aging. “I’m probably in the wrong program since I don’t feel like an elderly person. I’ve just lived a long time,” she says. Mannola explains that, mentally, she feels closer to 18, although her body is 85 years old. She believes that aging, to a certain point, is a matter of attitude and strives to maintain an open outlook towards life.

“I try to take care of myself. It’s a responsibility towards my body,” she states. Mannola finds joy in life through her husband, Göran Stubb, and an active social life. “I have many friends. Just recently, we were at a friend’s cabin for three days. There were three of us girls here,” she laughs. Her active lifestyle helps keep her youthful mindset, which includes a morning exercise routine. On nice days, she spreads out a mat on the terrace to practice yoga, stating, “Nothing is as wonderful as doing yoga in nature! Watching the clouds and listening to the birds sing!”

However, Mannola also acknowledges the fears that come with aging, especially regarding health care resources and the shortage of caregivers. “Aging scares me in terms of where one ends up and who will take care of you,” she admits. She observes a strong push for family caregiving and suggests that it can sometimes be an excessively heavy burden. “It’s encouraged because there aren’t enough caregivers. I don’t always think it’s desirable for someone to find themselves in that position,” she reflects.

Now living in a single-storey house with her husband, where accessibility is easier, she expresses hope to live happily there for as long as possible. “We all want to live as long as we can and die healthy— isn’t that everyone’s wish?” The presence of her husband brings her comfort in facing the challenges of aging. “We have each other. You can trust that if something happens, the other will help.”