In 2019 COTA Tasmania talked to older people about their preferences for the years ahead. We asked them what they thought would be most important to them as they aged and whether they had shared this with the people closest to them.

The project brought photographs and quotes together to inspire conversations that respect older people’s autonomy and choices.

The Ageing My Way exhibition was held at Hobart’s Waterside Pavilion in the lead-up to World Elder Abuse Day 2019. Themes of love, family, health, happiness, financial security and end of life were evident. However, we were also struck by the diversity of individual experiences, interests and concerns. This diversity became the focus of the exhibition.

We also thought participants’ quotes might inspire people to take up a new interest or investigate a subject they had not previously considered. For this reason we used the event to give details of activities and services in the Greater Hobart area.

Ageing My Way was curated by COTA Tasmania Project Officer Dr Lyn McGaurr and Board Member Dr Peta Cook. It was supported by the Tasmanian Government and a grant from the City of Hobart. It builds on our #RethinkAgeing photographic project. It was also inspired by research and exhibitions by Dr Cook in her capacity as a Senior Lecturer and researcher at the University of Tasmania. Following the Hobart event in May-June 2019 it toured to Launceston in October 2019 for the launch of Seniors Week. In 2021 it will be part of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day activities in Burnie as a free exhibition at the Burnie Regional Art Gallery from 15 to 18 June, supported by the Burnie City Council. Meanwhile, we are pleased to make its images available here, with our great thanks to the generosity of all who participated. Please scroll down to view the exhibition.