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Older people tread the red carpet after creating animations

This news post is about 5 years old
 

The Stay Mobile Stay Connected champions have used digital technology to create the stunning scenes

A group of talented pensioners have proven that age is no barrier to learning new skills.

Campaigners in their 70s, 80s and 90s are rolling out the red carpet for the premiere of their new films – four animations they’ve made to share the message that if older adults stay mobile and stay connected, they can not only continue to live life to the full, but also they won’t be a burden on the cash- strapped NHS.

The Stay Mobile Stay Connected champions worked together to create their own artwork and use stop motion film-making techniques to produce four one-minute cartoons, proving you’re never too old to learn new skills. The Older and Bolder event launching the films is part of the Scottish Government’s Fire Starter Festival 2019.

While the older adults had fun making their animations Prevention Is Cheaper, No Cotton Wool, Don’t Let Doctors and Shrink to A Chair, they say the messages are serious.

ROAR 'Our Best Shot' - Behind the Scenes with the 'Stay Mobile Stay Connected' Campaign Champions from media co-op on Vimeo.

Agnes Alexander (88) is very confident the campaigners can make a real difference.

She said: “I don’t want to waste any of my life on something I know there isn’t a goal at the end. And we’re all of that age. We don’t know how long we’ve got. But by gum, we’ll give it our best shot.”

Norrie Mathieson (80) said making the animations has been very rewarding. “If I can help one person change their life for the better, then it will all be worthwhile. And I'm sure that we'll go on to further influence the NHS to change their practices. Prevention isn’t only better than cure. It’s cheaper too.”

All of the Stay Mobile Stay Connected campaigners are members of Paisley based social enterprise, ROAR - Connections for Life: Age Scotland’s Charity of the Year, and winner of the Older People’s Project of the Year at The Herald Society Awards. Creative social enterprise media co-op has provided the campaign training.

Age Scotland’s charity director Fiona Cross will speak at the film premiere; and Scotland’s Minister for Older People Christina McKelvie is sending a video message of support.

Nicola Hanssen, ROAR general manager, has called on everyone to share the new animations on social media

She said: “The superheroes in our animations are the men and women behind the scenes who want to challenge the public perception of what it means to be older, and rescue the NHS from spending vast amounts of money on conditions which could be prevented. We want all older adults to have the support they need to be bolder and to stay mobile and stay connected and be active citizens in their communities across Scotland.”