‘Combatting Self-ageism: Advocacy Through the Arts’

Description

‘Combatting Self-ageism: Advocacy Through the Arts’ – Ageism and Self-Ageism leads to poorer health, social isolation, earlier deaths and costs Ireland’s economy millions of euros. Through positive collaboration with the University of Third Age and the Community Foundation of Ireland, Waterford Older People’s Council (WOPC) took the lead in developing its ‘Combatting Self-ageism: Advocacy Through the Arts” Project, which was designed to raise greater awareness of the presence of self-ageism in our ageing population and build capacity for advocacy intervention at an individual level and community/group level, through funding from The Community Foundation of Ireland’s Older Person’s Advocacy Fund.
In 2021 WHO Global Report on Ageism showed that:-

Ageism and Self Ageism is one of the most pervasive prejudices across societies around the world. Ageism and Self Ageism damages health and wellbeing, and it is the barrier to effective policies on healthy ageing. Ageism and Self Ageism characterises and divides people in ways that are unjust, and which lead to disadvantage and the undermining of human rights (WHO, 2021).

The growth in the ageing population in Ireland has been very rapid in the last decade compared with other EU countries. Growth in the older age groups far exceeds growth in other age cohorts. While Ireland had one of the youngest populations in Europe for many years, by 2028 there will be more people in Ireland aged 65+ than there will be children aged 0-14 (Sheehan, A. and O’Sullivan, R.,(2020)). Furthermore, in Ireland we have seen how the COVID-19 response measures revealed just how prevalent ageism is in our society and in our narratives. We saw how older and younger people were stereotyped in public discourse and on social media. Older people were consistently referred to as ‘vulnerable’ throughout the pandemic. Older age is undoubtedly a medical vulnerability when it comes to COVID-19, and this vulnerability is nuanced, primarily for the older older-aged and people with underlying health risks. However, the response measures and the language used in public health advice failed to recognise the diversity of situation and experience of all older people, the overwhelming majority of whom are neither frail nor vulnerable (Age Action, 2021). Therefore, Waterford Older People’s Council felt it was timely that this Action Research Project took place.
The ‘Combatting Self-ageism: Advocacy Through the Arts Programme’ was developed to raise greater awareness of the presence of self-ageism in our ageing population and build capacity for advocacy intervention both at an individual level, as well as at a community / group level, particularly by social and community groups who support older people.

The primary vehicle used to promote artistic expression was through music, the spoken word, painting, textile art and working with clay. The works achieved during the programme will be showcased at two public events.

From March 2022 to August 2022, Waterford Older People’s Council developed the content of the workshops, through the support of a Community Arts Facilitator, who also facilitated both workshops. They also worked with Waterford PPN, Dungarvan and Waterford Arts Officers and Waterford County and City Libraries Service in sourcing participants, extending invitations to up to 49 key social / support groups, partners and stakeholders who support older people within the county. These included Alzheimer’s Society Waterford, Co. Waterford Traveller Support Group, Women’s’ Sheds, Men’s Sheds, Active Retirement Associations, Day Centres, SVP, Age Friendly Approve Housing Bodies (Respond, Clúid / Clann, Cheshire Homes), Residential Care Homes, Public Health Nurses, Mary Butler (Minister for Mental Health & Older People), Friends of the Elderly, etc.

In September 2022 two Self-Ageism Awareness Workshops took place in Waterford (one in Waterford City and the other in Dungarvan), with the sole purpose of raising awareness and build capacity for advocacy intervention on self-ageism. Following the delivery of these two workshops, participants shared their personal experiences and key messages, following their creative expressions:-
Self-ageism results in poorer health outcomes, including chronic conditions and long-term health issues.

Self-Ageism greatly impacts women – females are taught from a very young age that the external view of them is who they are and when their bodies change with ageing it has a negative impact on their sense of worth, identify and wellbeing. Self-Ageism hinders sexual expression. Some older people internalise many ageist attitudes towards sexuality in later life and become less sexually active. Self-ageism makes people feel isolated and powerless, as well as believe they have nothing to offer to society.

Ageing has its benefits – maturity, experience and knowledge enhances our own lives and the lives of others.

Ageism is led by fear, ignorance, and prejudice. Ageism causes people to be labelled and feel left out. Ageism and self-ageism are heavily influenced by our upbringing – our teachers, our parents, social media and the social constructs we have grown up in. Greater awareness is required across all generations – self-ageism and ageism is toxic and needs to be tackled head-on through training and awareness programmes.

Waterford Older People’s Council continues to build on this project by working in collaboration with key agencies to promote positive change in policies, programmes, services and infrastructure relating to the physical and the social environment, enabling older people in Waterford to live in security, good health and continue to participate and be valued in society in a meaningful way.

Aim of Initiative

The purpose of the project was to develop greater awareness of the presence of self-ageism in our ageing population and raise awareness of and capacity for advocacy intervention specifically to address that situation at the individual and community/group levels. The primary vehicle by which this was achieved was through artistic expression. The project supported participants and key agencies who work / support older people to become active advocates of creative activity among older people, thus reducing the effects of self-ageism attitudes.

Who is it aimed at

Key social / health agencies who work directly with older people.

3 Steps critical to success

1. Needs Assessment and Literature Review, collaboratively undertaken by the University of Third Age and WOPC: A thorough needs assessment was undertaken to understand the specific challenges and the impact of self-ageism and ageism has on older people. By identifying the areas where support and empowerment are most required, the project can be tailored to address those specific needs effectively.
2. Collaborative Planning and Design: Involving older people themselves, along with community stakeholders, in the planning and design of the project is vital. This step ensures that the project reflects the aspirations and goals of the community it aims to serve. Collaborative planning creates a sense of ownership and engagement among older people, empowering them to actively participate and contribute their insights and ideas. By involving the community in decision-making processes, the project becomes more responsive and relevant to their needs, increasing the likelihood of success.
3. Capacity Building and Sustainable Support: To empower older people effectively, it is important to provide them with the necessary tools, skills, and resources. Capacity building activities can include training programs, workshops, mentoring, and access to information and technology. By equipping older individuals with relevant knowledge and skills, they become better prepared to address their own needs, advocate for their rights, and contribute to the overall well-being of the community. Additionally, establishing sustainable support mechanisms, such as partnerships with local organizations, volunteers, and community networks, ensures the longevity and continued impact of the project beyond its initial implementation phase.

3 Challenges in Planning / Delivery

1. Lack of participation amongst community groups whose key role is to empower older people – One of the primary challenges we encountered was the difficulty in engaging and mobilizing community members to actively participate in the project. Despite a huge drive in publicity and invitations of individual pre-meetings with these groups, the vast majority lacked interest and motivation to be involved. It was not until after the workshops, when participants engaged with their local groups and shared their positive and empowering experience of taking part in the project did such groups engage with us. Participants shared their frustrations of non-attendance of key groups, particularly those within social and health care sector and those whose key focus is to empower older people.
2. Sourcing participants from diverse backgrounds and marginalised groups – A concerted effort to source participants from diverse backgrounds and marginalised groups was made – We reached out to organisations / groups who provide services to such groups and tried to establish relationships / networks and tailored our publicity to reach potential participants. Despite this, little , there was little representation during the project.
3. Due to low attendance of key agencies who support older people, it was challenging to effectively build capacity within those groups. Those who attended stated they felt hugely powered to share their experience and challenge ageism and self-ageism at both an individual and community / group level. They also shared they had a greater drive to advocate on behalf of themselves and other older people due to be part of this project.

3 Outcomes / Benefits

1. A greater understanding of the concept of self-ageism and remove barriers to participation and provide more opportunities for the continued involvement of people as they age in all aspects of cultural, economic and social life in their communities according to their needs, preferences and capacities – Feedback and data from workshop participants (through pre & after workshop evaluations) demonstrate they have a greater understanding of the concept and impact of ageism / self-ageism and how it undermines them, their sense of autonomy and self-esteem.
2. Support older people as they age to maintain, improve or manage their physical and mental health and wellbeing – The project promoted a culture that values and supports older individuals, enabling participants to maintain, improve, or manage their physical and mental health and well-being effectively as they age. The workshops were designed to:- Promote positive self-perception by challenging self-ageism, recognising the worth of older people, their capabilities and future potential within the community they live in; Encourage active and healthy lifestyles; Address and challenge how accessible healthcare and social supports are accessible to older people; Foster social connections; Encourage Lifelong learning and personal growth; Recognise and utilise the expertise of older people within the community they live in.
3. An analysis of creative performance of older people as a suitable form of advocacy to combat self-ageism. This action-based project has used the arts / creative expression to deliver its aims and objectives. Through those creative expressions participants have been given the power to tell stories, change perspectives, bond as a group, and have the platform to engage in dialogue on this important issue which personally impacts them and their communities. It also was a powerful medium to discuss a sensitive issue with people who have been impacted greatly by both ageism and self-ageism, particularly during and after our most recent pandemic in Ireland.