Elly Fiorentini

Award-winning BBC reporter and presenter Elly Fiorentini has never defined herself by age. "Age doesn't exist in my world," she says. Growing up, her mother refused to disclose her age: Elly has always thought of herself as 45 and her mum thought of herself as 21. It was never discussed, and it never mattered. That outlook has shaped how Elly lives and works. She believes ageing is a privilege and that kindness and curiosity should guide how we treat one another, whether in the workplace or in our communities. In her own neighbourhood, she values the quiet reciprocity of intergenerational living - people looking out for one another, offering help when it's needed, and recognising how much richer life is when generations mix naturally. At work, Elly is passionate about reversing the usual flow of ideas. Older colleagues should not simply present solutions, she argues, but actively ask younger people how they think things should work. When broadcasting and journalism became digital, Elly leaned into learning - asking for help, adapting quickly, and continuing to mentor and coach people around the world. For Elly, age is irrelevant. What matters is respect, openness and staying engaged with life. What can we learn? • We need to stop focusing on age - curiosity, kindness and openness matter far more • Intergenerational living and working don't need programmes to start; they begin with everyday behaviours in our own communities • Learning flows both ways: experience brings judgement, younger voices bring fresh perspective • Staying engaged means being willing to ask for help, adapt and keep learning at every stage of life