Old school: Media urged to be positive on elderly

London – A design collective has set out to improve the way older people are portrayed in the media.

Bright Old Things uses stereotypical objects associated with older people and ‘illuminates’ them. Walking sticks, old teacups and pipes from across London are turned into ‘bright things’ in colours such as green and orange.

To spread the message, the items are sent to media professionals such as Frances Bentley, managing editor at Vogue Magazine and David Abraham, CEO at Channel 4.

‘We are asking that you take some form of action, small or large, to portray older people in a positive, and let’s face it, realistic light,’ notes the website.

As LS:N Global reports in our Neo Boomers report, ‘getting old is not what it used to be’.