Representing the elder: breaking the cliches
What do you picture yourself doing at 70? What about once you’ve reached 80?
According to our favorite search engine’s autofill, you will be at the doctor’s office, enjoying time with your family or learning how to use a smartphone. The representation of the older generations in the media is sadly still limited to cliches and stereotypes that we have seen countless times.
Situations that make something negative out of old age and further strengthen ageism.
However, campaigns like Loewe’s photoshoot with the legendary British actress Maggie Smith or the viral sensation known as The Spanish King teach us that we all have much more to offer even when we are alarmingly closer to our 100s than to our 50s.
The Internet is filled with different stories from older people who defy the traditional views on this stage of life. And, as design and photography professionals, it is both a duty and an opportunity to change this perception through our content, too.
Here’s some advice to start the year by making a difference in the representation of older people.
Be aware of their challenges during the session
Despite being a piece of quite obvious advice, we can’t emphasize it enough: older adults face some limitations that younger models simply do not. As a photographer, it’s crucial to be aware of them to avoid getting too exhausted. Plan shorter or less physically demanding sessions, and always care to ask your models while being respectful.
Don’t stick to stereotypical scenes of old age
At the doctor’s office, playing with their grandsons and granddaughters or cooking. These are some of the most typical situations we associate elders with. But there are so many other ways to depict the vitality of old age. Working out, learning a new hobby, or using smart devices without mocking your protagonists are some of the ways you can help break the negative stereotypes associated with older people.
Use real couples and family members
Unlike most young models, elders have already experienced the whole spectrum of emotions throughout their lives, and they come more naturally to them during your session. If you’re a photographer, using real older couples in your images adds undeniable chemistry to your creations, and surrounding them with models with whom they have a real relationship outside will grant you the most human photos you’ve ever taken.
Unfortunately, the most likely scenario is that your models don’t know each other before your session. You’ll need to look after the dynamics between your models carefully.
Don’t forget about inclusivity and diversity
Old age is usually associated with traditional family structures and relationships, so it’s crucial to make minorities and LGTBQ visible in old age, too. There are several accounts like Old Gays advocating for the representation that thousands of older people have been struggling to find.
Every image and design you create following these pieces of advice will help to represent elders with positivity and optimism.
So, let us ask you again: what do you picture yourself doing at 70?
