I’ve just been made an ambassador for Active Ageing Bristol!
I’m really thrilled about being part of this new locally-funded initiative. It’s one that presses all the buttons I believe in.
Obviously I’m passionate about encouraging older people to be as active as they possibly can.
My work photographing elite competitive athletes in their 70s, 80s and 90s has made me very aware of how much of a myth it is that physical frailty and limitations are inevitable as we get older. And yet this preconception is so dominant in our culture.
We can all do so much more than we might think we can as we age. If I can help challenge this myth through what I do, then I’m delighted.
Older elite sportsmen and women may be one group of unsung heroes and heroines whose achievements deserve to be flagged up in the public domain, but there are so many others too.
Bristol is a city with many local stars.
Increasingly, as I photograph local, grass-roots groups of older people exercising, whether they have never exercised before and are struggling with mobility issues, or regulars at a local class, or indeed long-term experts and enthusiasts for their sport, I’m struck and moved by the individual stories that I hear.
There are the exercise and sports instructors, often in their 60s (or older) themselves who are extraordinary role-models as well as being dedicated, inspiring teachers. And then there are the people who sign up and turn up at the groups and the classes.
These are the ones who are willing to push themselves out of their comfort-zone and really reconsider and reframe what they thought they could and should do as they get older.
Their determination and courage is also heroic – especially if they are new to exercise, or indeed have other constraining health issues. It’s an equal privilege for me to photograph these individuals and classes as it is for me to photograph world-class events.
So I’m delighted to be part of an initiative that encourages activity at every level in the city that I love and that is my home. I’m absolutely super-proud to be an ambassador of Active Ageing Bristol.
Comment
“My work photographing elite competitive athletes in their 70s, 80s and 90s has made me very aware of how much of a myth it is that physical frailty and limitations are inevitable as we get older. And yet this preconception is so dominant in our culture.”
Alex, you nailed it!
This is our challenge—the bust this myth!
There are still so many physicians who believe such nonsense.
And congratulations on being made Active Aging Ambassador! Hats off to you!