#OldisBeautiful
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 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.
Thankyou to Elder Rights Advocacy Victoria for supporting the Victorian pilot and launch, with the distribution of one of the portraits around the city. Media release here. Report on the pilot coming soon.
Thankyou to Elder Rights Advocacy Victoria for supporting the Victorian pilot and launch, with the distribution of one of the portraits around the city. Media release here. Report on the pilot coming soon.
How to participate
The #OldisBeautiful Kit has been developed for service providers, groups and community leaders to host an #OldisBeautiful workshop or discussion. It includes a 12 month license, step by step instructions, downloadable resources, ppt and video - all facilitators need to host a workshop or discussion. For a detailed overview of the Kit, click here or go directly to our Thinkific platform here. A small licensing fee helps Celebrate Ageing Ltd (a charity) cover the cost of developing and maintaining this and other Kits to build respect for older people.
Award winning photographer Suzanne Phoenix can attend your #OldisBeautiful workshop/discussion in Victoria to take portraits of participants. Check flyer here. In response to requests, a licence option has been added - for use of workshop portraits as stock images (subject to participants permission).
Award winning photographer Suzanne Phoenix can attend your #OldisBeautiful workshop/discussion in Victoria to take portraits of participants. Check flyer here. In response to requests, a licence option has been added - for use of workshop portraits as stock images (subject to participants permission).
Beautiful Indigenous Elders
Aunty Sherree Francis is Wurundjeri Elder, who participated in the #OldisBeautiful project. Posters of Aunty Sherree Francis were installed around Melbourne on #IDOP2023 by Plakkit. We are grateful to Aunty for sharing her insights on being an Elder. Thanks also to Elder Rights Advocacy for supporting this important initiative and Suzanne Phoenix for the powerful photograph. See Media Release here and quote from Aunty Sherree below.
"When you become older you appreciate who you are with much more authenticity. This is me it says. I am a First Nation Elder with wisdom and knowledge to share with the younger generations. My journey is slowly ending, everything is beautiful through my eye. I am beautiful. I leave this legacy to my daughters, granddaughters and future generations of granddaughters."
Aunty Sherree Francis
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The #OldisBeautiful Gallery
Thankyou to everyone who shared portraits from their workshops and discussions - and we are delighted to announce that the project has now gone global - thanks to Twinagers, Canada. Thanks also to our Patrons and Icons.
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Media
Thanks to the journalists who cover the project - your contribution to combatting ageism is greatly appreciated. Thanks to:
- Rowan Cowley, The Senior (link): Older portrait models reframe beauty to challenge ageist stereotypes
- Cathie Schnitzerling, ABC Brisbane Drive (link and listen at 2.38)
- Rowan Cowley, The Senior (link): Using words to stop discrimination at a national symposium
- Melanie Wheelan, The Ballarat Courier (link): Old is Beautiful project in Daylesford to Celebrate Ageing
- Robyn Smith for exhibiting the photos at the Australian Association of Gerontology Conference, Hobart 2024
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More information
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
