Every picture tells a story

 We are all getting older, and I find it interesting that the way we think about ageing, the advancements in science and health have actually changed the way we age. We also live in a visual society, as Rod Stewart said, “Every picture tells a story don’t it?” So, how are the elderly portrayed in the media through the images we see. Retiring from the labour force has given so many people the time and resources to get out and explore the world. Travel to far-off destinations, or even getting to know their own corner of the globe better, is a goal of many when they quit working. Is this active lifestyle shown in the media, or do we see stock images of seniors sitting playing cards, or sitting in the mall?

Why do we not see images of our generation heading to airports, travelling in high-end RVs, relaxing on exotic beaches, and exploring iconic destinations. But also show the process of planning a trip embracing the latest technology – browsing travel sites on a tablet, booking tickets using a smartphone, or travelling using the latest apps.

In fact, retirement isn’t even defined as it used to be. So many people are continuing to work part-time well past the “traditional” ages, or are using retirement as an opportunity to start second career, volunteer or seriously pursue a former hobby. To quit working a day job is now very different from withdrawing from the workforce so show this age group continuing to actively contribute to society.

 Key to all of the above is being able to maintain a healthy lifestyle including diet, exercise and healthcare. Does the media show imagery where the “elderly” participating in yoga classes, running in organized races and taking a hands-on approach to managing their diets and health?

Do the media show examples of older individuals getting regular health screenings, keeping their vaccinations up to date, taking medications and supplements or using the latest technology to monitor and track their own health are needed across the age spectrum?

Many of my age group use technology to stay connected with extended family and friends which is another positive aspect of ageing that can easily be shown in the media. Older relatives moving in with younger family members to help out instead of moving to a nursing home is a big trend that is still underrepresented in images. Age-restricted, continuous care or assisted living facilities have grown immensely in popularity and offer alternatives when living at home is no longer possible or desirable. There are more positive images of seniors in the media than there were a few years ago. If we want to reduce ageism in our society, a place to start is to look at the images we use to portray seniors. If they are negative, we need to call out the media companies and if they are positive, we need to give positive feedback. Change is not easy; it starts one pixel at a time.