In "But life goes on", Benard Pivot recounts the fortunes and misfortunes of old age

INTERVIEW

A chronicle of old age, smiling and honest.

In his latest book 

published by Albin-Michel, former journalist Bernard Pivot portrays Octo, his literary double, member of the JOP, the Young Parisian Octogenarians.

In this amused portrait, he hides nothing of the sufferings of old age, the memory that falters and the body that no longer follows, but also praises the passing of time, reverie, habits and late discoveries.

"When we get older we tend to confine ourselves to our own body. On the contrary, we must continue to listen to the world, to have a sharp mind and, when we can, a joyful spirit", says he, guest of Europe 1 Monday.

"Even at 80 you can add something to your life"

In his book, he also portrays Nona, a 95 year old lady full of fantasy and curiosity.

"She really exists, I know her. She's someone who makes you want to age, that's rare," says Bernard Pivot.

For him, old age does not have to be synonymous with finitude or nostalgia.

"Even at 80 you can add something to your life: a cat, a dog, a friend, a writer that you have never read."

The body and health occupy a large place in his story.

When you get older, he says, "the slightest stiffness or the slightest insomnia alert".

"You live with your body like never before. It doesn't follow you, or maybe it doesn't precede you anymore." 

>> Find Patrick Cohen's interviews in Europe midi in replay and podcast here

But Bernard Pivot also praises the imagination and meditation: once you're old, you finally have time to dream.

"When you are a teenager, you are told to work. In professional or family life, you do not have the time. So there is nothing more pleasant when you have been active for 60 years than putting a Bach record and dreaming of landscapes. "