Photo exhibition celebrates retirees’ active lifestyles

OLDER AND RETIRED Tameside residents finding inspiration in different types of physical activity thanks to the brainchild of a former teacher and current Tameside resident.

Ernie Greenwood approached Tameside Council about the possibility of creating an Active Ageing Photography Exhibition to encourage local older people to embrace physical movement, and explore the opportunities and friendships local clubs and activities can offer.  

Following support from the council’s Population Health team, the GM Ageing Hub and GreaterSport, avid photographer Ernie’s exhibition launched in Ashton Market Hall on Thursday 19 January 2023.

The photography features local older people taking part in sport and movement in Tameside’s sports clubs and outdoor spaces, to showcase their energy, enthusiasm and skills.

This exhibition was devised to spread positive imagery of older people being active, showing that they are valuable, not vulnerable. It is intended to inspire older people to become more active and consider joining one of the clubs or activities shown, as they can see people are enjoying taking part, irrespective of their age and ability.

This exhibition highlights a broad range of activities to suit all ability levels, which can bring older people in Tameside a greater sense of physical and mental wellbeing, and social connection. 

Data shows 32.4% of people in Tameside are inactive, completing less than 30 minutes of physical activity per week.  However, the key message of the exhibition is that it’s never too late to get up and get active, whether walking to the shop, or joining one of Tameside’s many local sporting groups.

To encourage participation, each photo has a QR code providing more information on the activity in the image along with various other activities and clubs available in Tameside, so people can see what is on offer and get in touch if they want to have a go themselves.

Ernie combined two of his passions, sport and photography, to tell untold stories. He said: “I wanted to find retired people who were taking part in sport or physical activity to document what was going on through action photographs.

“My idea was to show these activities to people in the hope that some might be inspired to find something that suited them, so a broad range was needed to find something for everybody. Let's change the concept of how older people are seen.”

Cllr Eleanor Wills, Tameside Council Executive Member for Population Health & Wellbeing, said: “It is brilliant to see Ernie cast a light on older people’s passions and the value of movement to our mental and physical health as we age. This work, and pieces like it, are key to shifting attitudes towards ageing, and showing ageing in a positive and realistic way.”

The Active Ageing Photo Exhibition will be primarily in Ashton Indoor Market until July, while photo selections will be displayed in locations across Tameside.

There are plenty of opportunities in Tameside for older people who want to be more active. The Active Tameside Live Active aims to improve your health and wellbeing by supporting people to become more active in their day to day lives Live Active | Active Tameside. Tameside Councils webpage for older people has information on walks and other activities. Age UK: Older People (tameside.gov.uk).