Key Learnings from ‘Seniors of Canada’: A Community Project Aimed to Disrupt Ageism-Reference-Cited by-同舟云学术

Key Learnings from ‘Seniors of Canada’: A Community Project Aimed to Disrupt Ageism

Published:2024-04-29 Issue: Volume: Page:1-7
ISSN:0714-9808
Container-title:Canadian Journal on Aging / La Revue canadienne du vieillissement
language:en
Short-container-title:Can. J. Aging

Author:

Hatzifilalithis Stephanie^ORCID,Weldrick Rachel^ORCID,Harvey Kelsey^ORCID

Abstract

Abstract Visual representations of aging have historically relied upon binarized clichés: idealized youthfulness versus frailty and illness. To challenge these oversimplified depictions, graduate students developed a community outreach project titled ‘Seniors of Canada’. The aim of this project was twofold: (1) share images and stories of people in later life; and (2) challenge dominant narratives and stereotypes of aging. In this note, we outline the prevailing discourse of what aging ‘looks like’, how we collected stories and images, and implications for knowledge mobilization and research in Canada. This article highlights insights gained since the inception of the project, including three key learnings: (1) Building bridges across academia and community, (2) Intergenerational connection and digital tools, and (3) The power of visual storytelling. We provide a practical overview of a successful knowledge mobilization/community outreach project and showcase the power of bridging academia and community for social change.

Funder

McMaster University

Publisher

Cambridge University Press (CUP)

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