Pedro Bial discusses ageism and reveals how he battled depression: ‘I have a foot in there’

Pedro Bial shared with reporter Maria Fortuna how he fought depression. At 67, the journalist, who is launching the book ‘Isabel do vôlei da vida: a onda mais alta de Ipanema’, participated in the ‘Conversa vai, conversa vem’ videocast from O GLOBO on YouTube and Spotify, where he also spoke about ageism. Isabel, the subject of his new book, previously worked on a podcast about ageism, particularly harsh towards women. Bial admits to feeling the bitter taste of ageism, especially in the online sphere. People feel entitled to say things they wouldn’t in person, often using derogatory terms like ‘old’. Despite this, Bial emphasizes the productivity and creativity of his generation in this new phase of aging. He feels that now, at 67, he has more to offer and is driven by a youthful ambition. Esteemed musicians like Chico Buarque, Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil, and Paulinho da Viola are still active in their 80s, serving as role models for Bial. Bial shares that like Isabel, he struggled with smoking addiction but has been smoke-free for two decades. When it comes to alcohol, he now drinks in moderation, having learned from his generation’s past indulgences. Despite his busy mind, Bial no longer takes medication but continues with antidepressants. He believes in the power of Tai Chi and finds solace in love from his family. Eduardo Moscovis’ insight on valuing kindness struck a chord with Bial, who credits the love of his wife and children for giving meaning to his life. Reflecting on a past bout with depression in the early 2000s, Bial recognizes the signs and seeks therapy as a preemptive measure when sadness creeps in.