Aged care operator lets its residents tell what it means to love well
A new short film will shine a spotlight on the experiences, resilience and hopes of older Western Australians while offering a powerful reminder of the impact of ageism.
‘Wise: The voice of older Western Australians’, which will have its world premiere at the WA Made Film Festival in Perth on 22 February, is a celebration of art, storytelling, and the joy of living a fulfilling life into old age.
The film, produced by tsp studio in collaboration with Juniper Aged Care, features interviews with six older Western Australians:
· Brian O’Grady
· Jill Jack
· Pat Edmonds
· Lionel Wilson
· Di Annear, and
· Margaret Halsmith
They share their personal stories, insights, and hopes for the future, culminating in the unveiling of their portraits by renowned photographer Steve Wise.
Interwoven with these personal stories are key findings from research by CoreData WA on issues affecting older Western Australians, including how they encounter ageism and what it means to live well.
Film also features new ‘Happiness Index’
The research, commissioned to mark Juniper’s 75th anniversary, also includes a ‘Happiness Index’, designed to measure what brings meaning and joy to the lives of older Western Australians. The Happiness Index reflects the activities that bring older Western Australians joy and the degree to which they can still engage in them. The higher the participation rate in these activities, the higher the happiness score.
The film is designed to deliver a vital message about the link between staying connected to loved ones and remaining physically active and happiness. It also serves as a reminder of the essential role of support services like home care and residential aged care in helping older people maintain these priorities.
Juniper CEO Russell Bricknell said he was delighted the film is screening at the WA Made Film Festival and will reach an audience beyond the aged care sector, particularly in the lead up to the Federal election where aged care will be a key focus.
“This film captures beautifully the research and artwork we commissioned for our 75th anniversary, but more importantly, it amplifies the voices of a demographic that is often unheard and unrecognised,” he said.
Credit: tsp studio
Two-thirds of older West Australians have faced age discrimination
While the research found a generally optimistic cohort of older Western Australians who want to travel, exercise, give back to the community and learn new skills beyond retirement, it also revealed a few concerning statistics, including two-thirds of older West Australians saying they have faced age discrimination.
“How we treat, perceive and engage with older people is a conversation we need to have as a wider society,” Russell added.
“This is not only the responsibility of those that provide the care to older people, but each and every one of us.
“With increasing life expectancy, ageism is likely to grow unless we take action to challenge it. It is our hope that audiences will see this film and reflect on their own interactions with older people.”
