Pictures/LCC: Participants in the Promoting Positive Ageing Project at the premiere screening of Fragments and Pieces of Us at An Táin Arts Centre on 6 October. The films were developed through a creative collaboration between Age Friendly Louth and An Táin Arts Centre to challenge ageism and promote positive ageing across County Louth.
A new film featuring older people from County Louth reflecting on ageing and ageism has been released as part of a wider campaign promoting positive ageing.
Pieces of Us features participants introducing themselves and speaking in their own words about their experiences of growing older.
The film was created through a collaboration between Age Friendly Louth and An Táin Arts Centre and is now available publicly through Louth County Council’s YouTube channel and social media platforms.
A second film, Fragments, was also created through the project and features more personal stories shared by participants. Due to the sensitive nature of those contributions, it will not be released publicly.
Together, the films explore the realities of ageing while also focusing on resilience, connection and community.
‘Challenge assumptions about ageing’
Paul Hayes, Director of An Táin Arts Centre, said the project had developed over a number of months through workshops with participants.
“Working on this project over the past number of months has been an incredibly rewarding experience. The workshops provided a safe and welcoming environment where participants could openly discuss ageing, share personal experiences and build lasting friendships.
“The honesty, creativity and generosity shown throughout the process is reflected in these films, which challenge assumptions about ageing and celebrate the individuality of every participant.”
Writer Niall O’Brien worked with participants to help develop and capture their stories, while Sean McMahon filmed and edited the project.
This is the third consecutive year that Age Friendly Louth has worked with An Táin Arts Centre on creative projects aimed at raising awareness of ageism and highlighting the contribution older people make to communities.
Positive Ageing Week
Sinéad McVerry, Age Friendly Louth Programme Manager with Louth County Council, said the project was particularly timely as Positive Ageing Week came to a close.
“It is particularly fitting that these films are being premiered as we mark the conclusion of Positive Ageing Week, a time when we celebrate the many positive aspects of growing older and recognise the invaluable contributions older people make to our families, communities, and society.
“This project demonstrates the power of creativity and storytelling to bring people together, create meaningful connections and challenge perceptions.”
She said the partnership with An Táin Arts Centre had given participants a space to reflect on their lives and share their experiences.
“We are grateful to Paul Hayes and the team at An Táin Arts Centre for their continued collaboration in delivering creative projects that amplify the voices of our older people and help celebrate the richness of life experience at every age.”
Pieces of Us goes public
While Fragments will remain private, Pieces of Us will form part of a wider public awareness campaign around positive ageing in County Louth.
“Pieces of Us showcases the unique voices, perspectives and stories of people living in County Louth,” Sinéad McVerry said.
“By sharing these stories, the project helps to challenge stereotypes around ageing and encourages a more positive and inclusive conversation about growing older.”
Pieces of Us is now available to watch through Louth County Council’s YouTube channel and social media platforms.
