Place 365
A Sense of Place is an important part of all of our lives. It's not so much about geographical location as it is about belonging and connection. There is an important link to be made between a world in which older people feel valued and respected - and older people's sense of place. On World Elder Abuse Awareness Day in 2017 we launched Place 365 - to raise awareness of the importance of PLACE in older people's lives. We also invited our facebook followers to share a photo and story.
The meaning of place
At Embolden2018 we invited a number of Elders to present on what Place meant to them, how it was disrupted and how they restored a sense of place. Across these presentations we gave delegates blank postcards and invited them to write their reflections on the meaning of Place. Fifty one participants completed postcards with 127 comments about the meaning of place and strategies to build a sense of place. One participant wrote that place is: My tribe. Cultural understanding and being understood for culture. Geography – the landscape that resonates in the inner sense of self. The place of my story – the settings of the scenes of my life. Place is belonging and breathing the air freely. Place is the existence of support. Place is a roof and walls that are safe and warm and comfortable.
Other messages about the importance of place are summarised in the Embolden2018 Collection and some key themes about the meaning of place include the following:
Other messages about the importance of place are summarised in the Embolden2018 Collection and some key themes about the meaning of place include the following:
- Family doesn’t need to be biological. House is bricks and mortar – a home is the love you carry into a home
- Space to be free to be yourself and to belong in safety, culturally appropriate and valuing environment
- Familiar faces. Memories and connections. Trust and comfort. Support
- Home is where one feels safe, comfortable, free, satisfied, familiar and secure, belonging and owning the space
- Being in a place where you are respected, supported and loved. This love can be found from friends and others. Even if you have not family or partner.
- A safe place where elders are heard and believed
- Sense of place is not just the physical building but the place where people interconnect and provide support and compassion
dis-placement
At Embolden2018 we invited delegates to share what Place meant to them, how it was disrupted and how they restored a sense of place. We invited them to share letters – powerful stories that could then be shared beyond Embolden2018. Presentations on sexual abuse, sexuality based discrimination, homelessness and dementia all highlighted how dis-placement can occur and how it can be addressed. Please go to the Embolden2018 Collection by clicking the link here to read letters written by the presenters.
stories
(c) 2013 celebrateageing.com
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to
land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to
land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.