Reframing Ageing through Storytelling – Promote inclusivity and the ability for us all to ‘age well’

Description

Through this project, Social Practice Arts Facilitator & Researcher, Rachel Lartey, delivered a series of creative workshops with Clann staff and Clann residents, who live in age friendly housing schemes across the country, to peer into their lived experiences and raise awareness / address the social issues of ageing, ageism and self-ageism. The project was designed to promote dialogue and identify any conscious and unconscious biases which hinder our ‘ageing well’ process and the delivery of a person-centered service to older residents. The aim of the project was to ‘reframe’ problems / negative outlooks and generate new perspectives and attitudes towards ourselves and others.

This project was a priority for Clann Housing for the following reasons:

1. According to the World Health Organization, ageism and self-ageism prevents people from ‘ageing well’ and is prevalent everywhere.

2. Adding to this social issue is the fact that Ireland’s population of older people is growing rapidly – As the number of older adults increases substantially over the coming years, ageing well is a priority for all of us, particularly for organisations like Clann, who support older people to age in place.

3. Clann is a leader in the provision of age friendly housing and therefore are invested in both the welfare of its residents and in increasing housing options for people as they age. Through their work, Clann has witnessed how some older people have experienced cumulative disadvantage throughout their lives, which has greatly impacted their ability to age well and their life expectancy. Therefore Clann wished to collaborate on this artist-led project to address the needs and challenges of Ireland’s ageing population and play an active part in addressing those inequalities for older people.

4. Clann’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity – The project supported Clann’s commitment to fostering inclusive communities where everyone’s story is valued and respected. The project was a potent tool for dismantling stereotypes and fostering empathy across generations. It offered a platform for diverse voices to share stories, challenge narratives, and forge meaningful connections across generations.

As outlined previously, the purpose of the Project was to amplify the silent, marginalised voices of older people through the collective exchange of stories and to promote inclusivity & ‘age well’, by raising awareness of the impact of ageism and self-ageism, as well as our own personal biases. The project was delivered through the methodology of storytelling. This was the chosen methodology because of the power of storytelling – it humanises social issues, and when a social issue is framed within a narrative, we are more likely to connect with the experience of others, which in turn leads to increased understanding and compassion of others. For example, in 2023 there were approximately 806,300 people who were aged 65 or over living in Ireland. This represents 806,300 life stories, which, if shared, have the power to enrich the lives of others and bridge cultural, generational, and social divides. Furthermore, Ireland has a long and strong history of storytelling. Its rich storytelling tradition dates back centuries and has preserved the passing down of history, myths, legends, and cultural values from one generation to another, making it an integral part of Irish identity and culture. It was therefore fitting that this project was delivered through the artform of storytelling. However, the project is not merely about storytelling and creating art – central to the project was the amplification of the voices of those often marginalized by ageism and stereotyping. Participants reclaimed their narratives, challenged stereotypes, and celebrated the richness of ageing. By engaging in intergenerational dialogue on this social issue, the project created opportunities for mutual understanding and empathy, mitigating ageist attitudes through the power of shared experience.

Aim of Initiative

The aim of the Reframing Ageing through Storytelling Project was to:

Amplify the silent, marginalised voices of older people through the collective exchange of stories by three groups – 1. Older people, 2. Clann residents and 3. Clann staff.

Promote inclusivity and the ability for us all to ‘age well’, by raising awareness of the impact of ageism and self-ageism, as well as our own personal biases.

Who is it aimed at

Residents living in age friendly housing schemes and Clann staff who deliver a housing management service to older residents.

3 Steps critical to success

1. “Hear my Story” – At the core of this project was the empowerment of older people and therefore it was designed to be a vehicle to hear the hidden and silent voices of older residents living in age friendly housing schemes.The project was a success because it provided a platform for older residents to be heard.
2. Active Listening to older residents – The project shed light on their lived experiences and in turn revealed common themes of their experience of ageing. It played a fundamental role of bringing both housing staff and older residents together to discuss the social issue – providing the opportunity for staff listen to residents and grow in empathy. It also provided older residents with the platform of ‘informing staff’ on these social issues which impacts them greatly – since they are the experts / leaders of wisdom.
3. Methodologies -The following methodologies were used during the project:-Pedagogical practices as artistic inquiry – This was methodology was chosen because of its power to explore social issues and personal experiences through creative, educational activities, since it is known to support participants to empathy, critical consciousness, and person change / agency as they discuss, engage and co-create on the complex issues of ageing, ageism and self-ageism. This methodology is a powerful teacher because it sees ‘education’ more than the relaying of knowledge but a space for connection, creativity, bravery, and reflection.

   The workshop therefore had elements of teaching and learning processes designed into it (through the methods of monologues, poetry, clay and art materials) to promote artistic exploration and expression.

   Dialogical aesthetic – This methodology was used to support meaning in reciprocal and transformative, through storytelling using media / video and poetry.

   Embodied art practice – This methodology was included in the design of the workshop to support the body to become vehicle for communicating emotions and narratives, through the use of the real life monologues.

   Mapping as a process of artistic inquiry: This methodology was used to investigate connections, priorities and key messages participants felt about the subject of ageing, ageism and self-ageism. It provided an opportunity to explore, connect and co-create through use of the Clann Community Quilt, leading to new insights, understanding and sense of gratitude.

3 Challenges in Planning / Delivery

1. Emotional reactions of participants – Discussing the social issues of ageing, ageism and self-ageism evoked strong emotions during all workshops. Both residents and staff expressed anger, sadness, grief and frustration at times, due to their personal experiences. Providing a brave and safe space was key to meeting that challenge, as well as providing appropriate support after each workshop.
2. Resourcing of project – The project was delivered across 5 age friendly housing schemes (in Dublin and Kerry), which is only 16% of Clann’s housing stock. It is Clann’s ambition that the project is rolled out to all of their housing schemes across the country, as well as delivered to older residents living in other AHB homes. The project would need to be resourced, in order to meet that challenge.
3. Meeting the ‘thirst’ of participants – All participants enjoyed being part of the project and did not want it to end. They expressed how much they benefited from meeting together on a common goal and were disappointed when the project came to an end. Older residents stated they felt a positive change in their wellbeing from being part of the project and longed for more resident engagement projects like this one. The project was very meaningful to them and they had a ‘thirst for more’.

3 Outcomes / Benefits

1. Delivery of creative workshops to both Clann residents and housing staff, giving voice to the lived experiences of residents living in Clann homes. Implementation of feedback from residents by Clann management, which led to improved service delivery and the creation of a more person-centred service to older residents.
2. Exhibition of art works created by both residents and staff at a public exhibition at MTU Grand Parade Art Gallery in May 2024.
3. Publication of the project, showcasing the creative pieces and voices of residents and staff on the subject of ageing, ageism, self-ageism and ageing well.