The ageist view that beauty is limited to youth is harmful to older people and society more broadly. It devalues and socially isolates older people, erodes their health and wellbeing, and robs those who are not yet old of an optimistic ageing pathway. In response to this issue, the #OldisBeautiful project Brisbane, hosted in partnership between Celebrate Ageing, ADA Australia and Brisbane City Council offers workshops/discussion with older people to combat internalised ageism and document their portraits and messages about beautiful. The black and white portraits of older people, and their messages are shared to help combat ageism in the community.
Aim
The primary aim of the #OldisBeautiful project is to combat the ageism by:
- Building older people’s knowledge of internalised ageism and how to protect themselves from it
- Increasing older people’s positive expectations of ageing
- Encouraging community members to see older people as beautiful
- Building connections between older and younger people (of all generations)
- Helping younger people see older people as role models and identify their own positive ageing pathway
- Decreasing the ‘othering’ of older people.
Workshops
The workshops began by outlining expectations of ageing, facts on ageism and strategies for protection against ageism. This was followed by an exploration of physical, mental and cognitive expectations on ageing – and expectations of beauty. Discussions about beauty were powerful and highlighted how older people consider meaning beyond physical beauty.
Galleries
Media
Thanks to the journalists who cover the project – your contribution to combatting ageism is greatly appreciated.
The #OldisBeautiful program is an initiative of Celebrate Ageing Ltd, a charity combatting ageism and building respect for older people. If you would like more information about the program, please contact us using the details below
