WHAT IS the best thing about getting older?
This was the question posed to aged care residents in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs as part of a photographic project.
The images, featuring the residents from Uniting's Edina, Illowra and Ronald Coleman Lodge aged care facilities - and their responses - are now on display in special exhibition in Bondi. They were taken by Sydney photographer John Marmaras.
The exhibition at Eastern Suburbs Leagues Club is a part of the EveryAge Counts campaign that is promoting positive discussions in a bid to put a stop to ageism in Australia.
Participant Virginia Walker said one of the best things about getting older is being able to reminisce.
"I am grateful to be at a time in my life when I am able to say and do what I wish," she said.
"I also love to reminisce...my doll reminds me of my trip to Mexico and Cuba in 1989. There were people dancing and dressed in beautiful clothes and I wanted to be a part of it. It's a wonderful memory to have."
Another resident, Carol McMullen, said being able to speak her mind was a bonus.
"As I get older it is amazing to be free to say what I think, and to do so sincerely," she said.
The project was the brainchild of Uniting's Leisure and Wellness Coordinator Irina Krasovitsy, who started the idea of the exhibition with the intention of promoting positive discussions about getting older with residents and the community.
"Through my conversations with one of the residents, I found out he had a nephew who was a photographer. I thought how wonderful it would be if we could somehow manage to connect with the community through a series of photos which encouraged positive thinking about ageing," she said.
"We thought it would be a wonderful opportunity to showcase our residents and make them feel valued."
EveryAGE Counts co-chair and former Red Cross CEO Robert Tickner attended the opening of the exhibition on Tuesday, along with state MP David Sharma and Waverley Council's Deputy Mayor Dominic Wy Kanak.
The exhibition will be on display until Saturday, August 10, 9am-4pm.
