Understanding our work with older people using an innovative digital research project and the Storytelling Methodology
Recently we have been working on two different research projects. The first is a digital research project with the University of Manchester to explore creative ageing and ageism. The second with the University of Oxford has used the storytelling method to explore how cultural organisations and creative activities or groups can support the well-being of older people (aged 60+) from the global majority.
A Digital Research Project with the University of Manchester
During 2023 and 2024, we have partnered with the University of Manchester to conduct research exploring creative ageing. The study may reveal interesting findings to really understand what ageism is.
The research is being co-conducted by Dr. MaoHui Deng (Lecturer in Film Studies) and Dr. Sophie Everest (Lecturer in Film Practice) with Andy Hardman (Lecturer in Creative Practice and Cultural Industries) and older participants. The older participants have been making films using phones or camera equipment about a subject of their choosing. In this way we will get to understand the point of view of the participants.
The first phase of the project involved Elders Leaders (including Gill Bassam, Tony Cocker, Jackie Corr, Paul Green. Bernard Leach, Jacquie Long, Christine Ovens, Lorraine Reynolds, Ann Sarge Glyn Treharne and David Weston) creating their own short films. You can some of these films below.
The second phase of the project involves the Elders Leaders as peer mentors working with four new filmmakers from Rochdale, as well as filmmaker Kieran Hanson from Kenawa Films.
Dr. Deng and Dr. Everest will use the films as a starting point to present findings on creative ageing, which we will be available here later.
Doorways
The Day I Was Put In Charge of the Number 112 Bus
Polio comes with Surgical Boots 2:43
Elders at Play - Moments In Time
My introduction to the Royal Exchange Theatre
Rainbow Journey
Still Reaching for the Moon
Old/New
A storytelling research project with the University of Oxford
The TOUS study (Tailoring cultural Offers with and for diverse older Users of Social prescribing) is aiming to understand how cultural organisations and creative activities or groups can support the well-being of older people (aged 60+) from the global majority. The researchers are exploring how to ‘tailor’ or design cultural offers (activities, events, performances, or exhibitions) so they are attractive to different communities living in the United Kingdom.
You can read the stories gathered in the PDF below, and the full results of the study will be published later this year.
