By: Lucy Orme, Patina People
As social entrepreneurs and small business owners, we often face and challenge stereotypes in our work. Have you noticed how ‘entrepreneur’ is often implied as a youthful term? Mark Zuckerberg famously said, “young people are just smarter.” He made this ageist comment in 2007, and, regretfully, age discrimination is still prevalent in the workforce today. The Centre for Ageing Better’s State of Ageing 2023-4 report found that older adults are the least likely to receive training at work. How can we still be underestimating the advantages of age and favouring youth when research proves entrepreneurial success increases with age?
Older entrepreneurs bring a wealth of experience, a network of connections, and a level of emotional intelligence that can be critical to business success. They have accumulated valuable resilience and experience in both a professional and personal context.
As a creative ageing practitioner, I think about age a lot, and I wonder if we should be more forthcoming with our know-how and expertise. I suggest that we publicly celebrate the advantages of ageing and recognise our relevance. As a founder working with older adults, I have witnessed firsthand the incredible potential for innovation that comes with age. I am committed to highlighting the rich experience, resilience, opportunity, and creativity that age offers. I also fiercely champion the sentiment that we are stronger together. That’s why I am looking to join forces with other skilled workers to strengthen our pro-ageing campaign.
At 34, I have devoted my career to creative ageing—a field that harnesses the creativity of older adults and challenges societal norms about age. With more than a decade of acting experience and volunteering with age-focused charities, I am well positioned as the Founder and Artistic Director of Patina People, a company that creates theatre with older adults. My experience provides me a deep understanding of the industry, familiarity with the demands of performance, and insight into the nuances of ageing.
This October, we are excited to launch the Sociable Seats: Textured Takeovers project in Kilburn. This initiative is designed to transform everyday street benches into vibrant, artistic hubs that foster social connections during the isolating winter months when seasonal depression often peaks. Delivered by Patina People in collaboration with a local artist, the project will see older adult creatives designing the decoration of three street benches to create eye-catching installations. They will also develop a new theatre piece to be performed at the benches. These public winter events aim to surprise, intrigue, and encourage passers-by to stop, engage, and connect with one another.
The weekly workshops will provide participants with an opportunity to explore their creativity, share their stories, celebrate their neighbourhoods, and connect with others. By involving older adults in the creation and performance process, we aim to highlight their talents and contributions, challenging stereotypes and showcasing the vitality that comes with age. The Sociable Seats: Textured Takeovers project is more than just an artistic endeavour; it’s a community-led initiative that seeks to combat loneliness, promote mental well-being, and showcase the creative potential of older adults. By documenting and evaluating the project’s impact, we hope to demonstrate the significant benefits of such initiatives and inspire future, larger-scale projects.
To report the impact of this initiative, we are seeking a dedicated writer to document the project. We hope to collaborate with someone who is passionate about creative ageing and might have the resources or connections to support this important evaluation. We are eager to collaborate with researchers, writers, and community members who share our vision for creative ageing. Together, we can contribute to
this emerging field. Your expertise and enthusiasm could help us explore new dimensions of this project, ensuring it has a lasting impact on our society.
If you’re interested in joining us on this journey, we would love to hear from you. Let’s work together to redefine ageing, celebrate the richness of experience, and create vibrant, connected communities where everyone, regardless of age, can thrive. Feel free to reach out to me directly to discuss how we can collaborate and make a difference in the lives of older adults through the power of creativity. In the meantime, be encouraged to share your story, and when you do, be sure to shout about your age and celebrate all that it brings you!
Lucy Orme
lucy@patina-people.com
07553 474748
Patina People on LinkedIn
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