About this project
There are so many 'anti ageing' messages and products creating a sense that ageing is a battle to be fought, rather than a journey to be embraced. In order to create a cultural shift to one in which we value older people, we must first value our own ageing. Finding ways to value our own ageing is also a way of insulating ourselves against an ageist world. This is particularly important for older people - because internalising messages about ageism is a factor that makes older people vulnerable to Elder Abuse and less likely to report abuse.
On this page adults of all ages are invited to share one thing they value about their own ageing - using the idea of a tea cosy to imagine insulating yourself against ageism. We particularly love working through this process with older people.
On this page adults of all ages are invited to share one thing they value about their own ageing - using the idea of a tea cosy to imagine insulating yourself against ageism. We particularly love working through this process with older people.
How to participate
Adults of all ages are invited to:
You are also invited to make a tea cosy and send us a photo. You can knit a cosy, crochet, quilt, sculpt anything ... You also don't have to make a tea cosy. The tea cosy is a metaphor for sending a message of warmth, love or respect to an older person.
- Think about one thing you love about your own ageing
- Imagine this thing you love about your ageing is a tea cosy
- Use the tea pot template below (make your own) to show what your tea cosy looks like
- Write a few words about it
- Send us a photo or scanned copy.
You are also invited to make a tea cosy and send us a photo. You can knit a cosy, crochet, quilt, sculpt anything ... You also don't have to make a tea cosy. The tea cosy is a metaphor for sending a message of warmth, love or respect to an older person.
Feedback
Feedback on Insulator Cosy workshops has been very positive. I had the privilege of working with WHISE to facilitate a workshop for mature and older age women that included identifying things they love about their own ageing. As we made these cosies we talked about ageing and ageism and in the evaluation the women were asked what (if any changes) they would make to their lives. Responses included: "Think about ageing and what I love and value about it". "Be more honest about when I may have ageist thoughts". "I will 'value ageing' to a greater degree". I also worked with Elders at workshops in Perth and Brisbane and the feedback was heartening. When asked what the best things about the workshop was, participants wrote:
These responses highlight the importance of working with older people to challenge internalised ageism which adversely effects self esteem, makes older people more vulnerable to abuse and less likely to report abuse when it occurs.
- The group. The sharing of stories. Thank you Catherine for creating a space where all thoughts and contributions were valued and augmented. For me – exploring things I had not really considered much before. The format worked really well. Liked the flexibility of adding dancing
- Learning new things from different people. Incorporating art therapeutically. Talking/listening. Thinking about my own ageism – internalised as a woman
- Watching people come out of their shells – one or two who rarely do and another connecting with themselves with renewed honesty and confidence. Incorporating a physical activity was a real bonus – lifted energy and heart rate and banded people – quite liberating and challenging
- Loved the whole day. Really felt safe and was able to talk about feelings. I don’t always feel safe to share. Great to hear others’ experiences and to find some more fabulous role models. Really liked the format sharing in pairs, physical activity (Scottish dancing) and creative stuff. Food was great. Congratulations Catherine. Very empowering. Maybe workshopping what to do or say when one experiences ageism
- Facing my fears of accepting my age and growing old. Realised I was closed off and not looking into the future or making plans. Don’t have to accept things and own them. [I need to] speak up and be proud of my age
- To put ageism into retirement. To affirm other of my own age that they have contributions to make.
These responses highlight the importance of working with older people to challenge internalised ageism which adversely effects self esteem, makes older people more vulnerable to abuse and less likely to report abuse when it occurs.
Insulator cosies
I love the freedom from people's expectation. At 92 they accept it when I say: I don't drive that far. I don't go out at night. Sorry I don't fly interstate by myself. I don't cook xmas dinner any more. Lovely!
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