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Published on Tuesday 01 October 2024

Anne Blendell, aged 79, as Blink-182

Five older residents are recreating iconic album covers as part of a campaign organised in partnership between Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council and the local Age Friendly Communities Network to challenge stereotypes of aging.

The campaign, which marks the United Nations International Day of Older People on 1 October, features retired nurse Anne Blendell, aged 79, wearing blue latex gloves and a nurse’s hat to recreate Blink-182s iconic album cover.

Amateur photographer Louise Ahrens, who is the Health and Social Care Lead for Christchurch Primary Care Network and an Age Friendly Ambassador, took her inspiration from a similar lockdown project undertaken by Robert Speker. Activities Manager at Sydmar Lodge in Edgware.

Louise also featured her own father Keith Martin, aged 83, as David Bowie from the Aladdin Sane album in the series.

The project aims to challenge negative of ageing and celebrate the vital part that older people play in our communities.

Also featuring in the vintage idol campaign, are local residents:

  • Teresa Clarke, 76: Adele 19
  • Maureen Capper, 80: Madonna
  • Pat Shepherd, 85: Taylor Swift

The public will be able to view the photos in venues across the BCP area this October, including various libraries, Hengistbury Head Visitors Centre, Kinson Community Centre and Access Wellbeing Hub in The Dolphin Centre, Poole.

The campaign comes as the Council celebrates 25 Age Friendly Ambassadors starting their roles this year. These ambassadors, which includes residents, group leaders and members from the Age Friendly network of businesses and organisations are working closely with BCP Council and partners on age friendly training and communications, while raising awareness of issues affecting our older population.

Cllr Sandra Moore, Portfolio Holder for Communities and Partnerships at BCP Council said: “It is so important we celebrate the integral role older people play in our communities and neighbourhoods; as workers, carers, volunteers, activists and community connectors. Often, these vital contributions are overlooked or limited by ageism and other societal and physical barriers.

“The vintage idols display not only challenges some of the stereotypes of older people, but propels our senior population into the spotlight. My thanks go to our vintage idols for their support, Louise Ahren for her stunning photography, and to the Christchurch Community Partnership who helped find willing volunteers to have their photos taken for this project.”

Kelly Deane, Director of Housing and Communities at BCP Council, said: “There is a lot of great work happening across the BCP area to improve the lives of older residents, and the council is committed to making our community a better place to live in.

“This year the World Health Organisation accepted Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole into their Global Network of Age Friendly Cities and Communities. This means that alongside gaining and sharing best practice locally and nationally, we can now be part of the international network.”

The vintage idols display is just one of many events happening to celebrate International Day of Older People on Tuesday 1 October. The Parks Foundation are hosting a free lunch for over 65s across all their cafes, there’s free mini golf in the Chine Gardens, Boscombe, for over 65s and free tea and coffee at Kinson Community Centre for over 60s.

Find out more about BCP Council Age Friendly Communities and view the full list of local events planned for International Day of Older People 2024 here.

Find out more about International Day of Older People 2024 here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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