Five pensioners from Dorset gave a fresh look to some of the most iconic album covers by recreating them.
The residents in their 70s and 80s from Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole all took part in the ‘Vintage Idols’ campaign.
The campaign, organised in partnership between three authorities (Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council) and the local Age Friendly Communities Network, collaborated in the hope of challenging stereotypes of aging.
The campaign marked the United Nations International Day of Older People on October 1.
Amateur photographer Louise Ahrens, who is the Health and Social Care Lead for Christchurch Primary Care Network and an Age Friendly Ambassador, captured the mesmerising recreations and took her inspiration from a similar lockdown project undertaken by Robert Speker, Activities Manager at Sydmar Lodge in Edgware.
Louise’s own father, Keith Martin, aged 83, also featured in the recreation of David Bowie from the Aladdin Sane album, in the series.
The project aimed to challenge negative stereotypes of ageing and celebrate the vital part that older people play in our communities.
Cllr Sandra Moore, Portfolio Holder for Communities and Partnerships at BCP Council praised the campaign for how it “challenges some of the stereotypes of older people”.
“It is so important we celebrate the integral role older people play in our communities and neighbourhoods; as workers, carers, volunteers, activists and community connectors. Often, these vital contributions are overlooked or limited by ageism and other societal and physical barriers.
“The vintage idols display not only challenges some of the stereotypes of older people, but propels our senior population into the spotlight. My thanks go to our vintage idols for their support, Louise Ahren for her stunning photography, and to the Christchurch Community Partnership who helped find willing volunteers to have their photos taken for this project,” she said.
Other recreations included 79-year-old retired nurse Anne Blendell, who donned a blue latex glove and nurse’s hat to imitate blink-182’s 1999 album, Enema of the State.
80-year-old Maureen Capper, shone in blue eyeshadow posing for a recreation of the cover of Madonna’s 1986 True Blue album.
Teresa Clarke, 76, modelled for a recreation of Adele’s multi-platinum album, 21, which was named after the singer’s age when she wrote it.
While 85-year-old Pat Shepherd, born in 1939, recreated Taylor Swift’s iconic 1989 album cover.
The public were able to view the photos across the three partnered authorities earlier this year. Other festivities to celebrate International Day of Older People included a free lunch for over 65s across all their cafes, free mini golf for over 65s and free tea and coffee at Kinson Community Centre for over 60s.
The campaign was initiated to celebrate 25 Age Friendly Ambassadors starting their roles this year. The ambassadors include residents, group leaders and members from the Age Friendly network of businesses and organisations who work closely with the authority on age friendly training and communications, while raising awareness of issues affecting the older population.
Kelly Deane, Director of Housing and Communities at BCP Council, said: “There is a lot of great work happening across the BCP area to improve the lives of older residents, and the council is committed to making our community a better place to live in.
“This year the World Health Organisation accepted Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole into their Global Network of Age Friendly Cities and Communities. This means that alongside gaining and sharing best practice locally and nationally, we can now be part of the international network.”
You can learn more about this inspiring campaign on the International Day of Older People 2024 website.