This is Older: photography exhibition celebrating the diverse lives of older people Oriel, Senedd 23 April – 25 May 2022
Published on 22 April 2022 03:24 PM
From a scooter riding skinhead to a mountain-sheep-farmer and from wild swimmers to allotment keepers, Age Cymru is showcasing a thought-provoking photography exhibition, sponsored by Mick Antoniw MS, that aims to break down negative stereotypes of older people that all too often appear in the media and corporate marketing materials.
Celebrating the diversity and energy of older people, thirteen models from across Wales, aged 65 to 85, tell their remarkable stories through a compelling series of photographs. Whether it’s documenting someone’s newly acquired skills or biggest passion, the photographs capture the joy and vigour that can be found in later life.
Led by Age Cymru in collaboration with acclaimed photographer Jon Pountney and the National Library of Wales, the This is Older exhibition opens at the Oriel in the Senedd between 23 April and 25 May 2022.
Access to the Oriel is free of charge and open to everyone during weekdays between 9am and 4pm and Saturdays and Bank Holidays, 10.30am until 4pm.
The images are now part of the National Collection of Welsh photographs at the National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth. For more information contact Kelly Barr on 029 2043 1555 or email kelly.barr@agecymru.org.uk.
Meet some of the models
Chrissy, 65, is a survivor of cancer, two abusive relationships and the loss of a partner in 2019. Chrissy also suffers from fibromyalgia and polymyalgia, but says, ‘My daily sea swimming helps me feel alive and invigorated, it gets me out of my home every day. I often welcome new members to the Colwyn Bay Bluetits which is my local swimming group, I even call myself the mermaid! I have always said I’m growing old disgracefully."
Paul, 68, has transformed his allotment garden in Penarth into a haven for wildlife – including bees. A former petrochemical engineer, Paul can often be seen helping older residents in the neighbourhood, “I suppose I'm a philanthropist of sorts,” he says, “I enjoy helping others to banish negativity and embrace the positivity in life. I believe the greatest wealth is to be content with little.”
Jim, 72, is a former nurse and medical researcher as well as a poet and avid photographer. Still working as an editor of a diabetes website, he loves to swim in the sea year-round near his home in the Mumbles, Swansea. Jim says, “My philosophy is to keep your mind and body active – and ignore the weather!”
Patrick, 85, Llandeusant, Carmarthenshire is a mountain sheep farmer. Patrick spent nine years as an itinerant farm hand before setting on his 89-acre farm in the Brecon Beacons. He says “ “I hope to still be working the farm for another ten years - with a bit of help.”