Photography competition to focus on over 50s

A new photography competition has been launched to challenge stereotypes around growing older.

Greater Manchester Older People’s Network (GMOPN) has launched the Age Proud competition, which is designed to directly challenge the way people over the age of 50 are talked about and to generate a bank of positive and realistic images that can be used by media outlets, publications and local authorities.

The winning images will also be part of a touring exhibition in Greater Manchester later in the year.

Pauline Smith, member of GMOPN said: “This is a great opportunity to change the perceptions about older people. We can show younger people that we still have a lot to contribute to society as we become an increasing percentage of the population. I’m hoping for more understanding and empathy towards older people across Greater Manchester.”

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said: “In Greater Manchester we have always had a focus on doing ageing differently as we work to make this one of the best places in the world to grow older.

“We are working to create a new positive narrative around ageing. Our older people live varied and full lives, contributing much to Greater Manchester. This competition and the images it produces will help us challenge stereotypes and paint a realistic and positive picture of older people.”

The competition has six themes – New Beginnings, Passing it On, Journeys, Making a Difference, Together and Being Yourself and is open to anyone in Greater Manchester of any age, professional or amateur and participants can submit their entries until April 2, at http://bit.ly/Ageproudpics

Winners will receive a masterclass from photographer Simon Buckley and see their images as part of the touring exhibition.