As I Age… I do not giggle with a full bladder
An oversized ‘As I Age’ chalkboard will be set up on Federation Square during this years’ Melbourne Writers Festival, so people can share their thoughts on getting older.
Writers at the Byron Bay Writers festival also had their say on the 'As I Age' wall
The installation is a community project of Feros Care and is intended to ignite thought and conversation about ageing, to break down attitudes and to prove that life doesn’t stop at 70.
Ms Jennene Buckley, Chief Executive Officer of Feros Care says “This is one of the biggest and most provocative community campaigns Feros has ever done. We work hard to constantly challenge the perceptions and stereotypes of ageing. This installation is impossible to ignore, as is ageing!
“I’m so excited about what the locals will have to say, and what comments they will add to the board. Older people often don’t feel like they can voice their concerns about ageing, and the wall gives them permission. They aren’t used to such personal expression,” Ms Buckley says. “No topic was off-limits – from sex to beliefs to incontinence.”
According to Ms Buckley there was an amazingly positive reaction to the wall’s installation at Byron Bay Writers Festival earlier this month. Hundreds of people of all ages completed the “As I Age…” sentence. The wall, two metres high and 12 metres long, drew large crowds and it became a talking point between groups of strangers.
Proof that ageing impacts everyone, two teenagers were captured saying: “No matter what our age, we are ageing”, as they participated in a public interactive art installation.
Participating writers at the Byron Bay Writers festival also had their say on the 'As I Age' wall:
- Don Watson: “I hope”
- Annie Zaidi: “One by one my fences fall away and I feel free”
- Renata Singer: “I’m going to keep contributing and stay engaged”
Some of the other comments included:
- …I give thanks, as old age is not offered to everyone
- …I want to realise my full potential and capture the essence of life.
- …I feel lighter and free, not at all what I was expecting
- …I love, laugh and live every minute and every day as if it is my last!
- …I don’t want to be homeless
- …I live to love and be loved, and to embrace my future and freedom
- …I would like respect
- …I ache
- …I do not giggle with a full bladder
These comments aren’t always comfortable to read but they are the reality and by getting people to share their perspective, we can aim to make getting older better,” says Ms Buckley.
“If you are around Federation Square during the Writers Festival, please complete the sentence “As I Age …” and be a part of the community that creates a positive image and environment for ageing,” Ms Buckley says.
The 'As I Age' wall is part of a national roadshow by Feros Care to inspire conversation about ageing. Following the Melbourne Writers Festival held from 20 – 30 August, the 'As I Age' wall will be appearing at the Brisbane Writers Festival (2-30 September).
