Staff were invited to submit photographs inspired by the theme ‘age positivity’, encouraging creative interpretations that challenged common assumptions about age and ageing.
The competition received a number of thoughtful and inspiring entries, but after careful consideration, the panel selected ‘Working Across Generations’ by Clare Deal, Doctoral Researcher in Geography and Environment as the winning entry. ‘First Lesson in Car Mechanics’ by Yvonne Cornejo from the Language Centre was chosen as the runner-up. Judges praised both photographs for their uplifting messages and for prompting them to reflect on their own perceptions of age and ageing.
‘Working Across Generations’ by Clare Deal
The winning photo by Clare Deal shows a teenage girl sitting next to a young woman, they are looking at each other with joyful expressions. Clare’s research focuses on a short-term intervention for children and one of the central themes to emerge from her interviews was the relationships young people build with the adults in that setting.
Clare said: “It is the visible joy of play in this photo which inspired me to submit it. A moment of connection, laughter and shared focus between women of different generations.”
‘First Lesson in Car Mechanics’ by Yvonne Cornejo
The second-place photo is of Yvonne’s mum changing the oil filter on her car. Yvonne commented: “I love her focus, her open-mindedness, and the youthfulness she exudes. As my mum has moved through the decades, she has consistently shifted my perception of what ageing means; looking at this picture it's clear to me that 77 isn't old.
“She's sprightly because she moves and challenges herself; she's youthful because she is curious and always seeking to evolve, try new things, and defy the odds. I hope to follow in her footsteps!”
By inviting colleagues to think positively about ageing, the network hoped to spark conversations and raise awareness of ageism and encourage staff wellbeing through creativity.
Catherine Armstrong, Chair of the Age Appreciation Staff Network, said: "Perhaps we assume the only people to experience ageism are the elderly, or that ageing is always a process of decline. How often do we make snap judgements such as 'she's too old to learn a new skill' or 'he is too young to be a leader'? Age Without Limits Day raises awareness of the discrimination people can face throughout their lives and challenges us to call out age-related stereotypes wherever we encounter them."
The network works to celebrate achievements across every stage of life while challenging ageism and age-related stereotyping across the University. Some of their current initiatives include supporting managers to better understand age-related health conditions, such as arthritis, and developing a digital storytelling project that explores and challenges beliefs about ageing.
The network meets online every two months, with informal social gatherings taking place between meetings, including walks and lunches. The next meeting will be held in late September.
If you are interested in joining the Age Appreciation Staff Network, please email Catherine Armstrong.