Author and Bealtaine Festival representative Liz McManus, a member of the post-World War II baby boomer cohort, expressed her perception of her generation being somewhat privileged. They had a broadly peaceful upbringing, were able to enjoy the new age of rock and roll during their youth, experienced the women’s liberation movement and advances in birth control in their reproductive years. Despite of economical ups and downs, they managed to earn a level of wealth that previous generations could only dream of.
Though senior citizens in Ireland now have significantly improved life conditions compared to half a century ago, there are still substantial gaps in available resources, societal participation, and opportunities. Not everyone gets equal chances in life, stereotypes persist, and the opportunities once accessible in young adulthood alter with age. The societal outlook makes it challenging for this aging population to engage and keep the momentum, despite them realising that getting older could also mean entering a vibrant new life phase. Recognising this and meeting one’s self demands is a demanding yet rewarding task.
In her Bealtaine-themed essay, McManus likens old age to youth, but with the added advantage of having the freedom to make decisions without parental oversight. She quotes Mary Oliver’s popular question, challenging each individual to contemplate their plans for their singular, precious life that’s brimming with potential.
Despite acknowledging the constraints that come with aging, McManus employs a quote from Cicero to put it into perspective: old age is honoured only if it can defend itself.
Regarding the common societal misconceptions about ageing, McManus underscores the reality of elder abuse and stresses the necessity of mutual care and watchfulness to curb it. She emphasises that cordial relationships and mutual assistance are fundamental to flourishing in old age. These elements fuel the familial and cross-generational ties capable of dismantling societal prejudices that restrict our perception of ageing. She notes, “Kinship and companionship gain increased significance as we age. Surprisingly, for a number of older individuals, solitude persists as a hardship, notwithstanding the existing communal connections.”
One method to forge meaningful bonds and reflect the creative prowess of the elderly is through the arts, thereby showcasing the cultural potential of the older demographic. As McManus aptly puts it, “Venturing outside our comfort zones can be challenging but it can yield fulfilling results, such as the acquisition of a newfound talent, unearthing an innate creative knack, or simply basking in the camaraderie with peers, chattering and enjoying collective mirth.”
Ciaran McKinney, the programme manager at Age and Opportunity, a charity that “advocates the creativity and worth of the elderly”—lamentably emphasizes how the aged are often perceived by society as individuals who merely dwell on their past. “Our viewpoint of the elderly frequently centres around reminiscing,” he remarks. He elaborates that artistic engagement, “whether as spectators or active participants, not only immerses us in the present but can also propel us towards the future, especially if we are creating something that also hints at our future as well.”
According to the report on Creative Activity in the Ageing Population, the involvement of older adults in the arts is considerably high. This was part of The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing which revealed that a significant proportion of the elderly take part in creative endeavours on a weekly basis, and this participation level is maintained across individuals aged 50 to 74. McKinney points out that “The arts have usually been deemed an extravagance for the elderly. Many of the older generation may not have been privy to the opportunity of participating in the arts hence, for a substantial number, this chance presents itself only in their twilight years.”
The study underlines high engagement in artistic ventures from the elderly demographic, correlating to an advanced quality of life. Numerous investigations have demonstrated the notable influence that art and inventiveness can cast on mental health, overall wellness, and the societal dimensions of growing old. Subsequent research advocates the persuasion of older demographics to amend their approach and accept artistry as a tactic for augmenting health, leading to profounder connections stemming from the growth of their creative edge. Leisure-based artistic activities, community gatherings, cross-generational programmes and events, be it creative writing, book clubs, theatre, painting or knitting, pay homage to and unearth the beauty of creativity through art.
McKinney accentuates the profound delight that art can infuse into a person’s existence. “Our untapped creativity surfaces, possibly revealing latent talents or resurfacing buried ones, fostering a newfound or a rekindled experience.”
A study on the positive repercussions of arts and creativity on the health and happiness of the older population was compiled by the Institute of Public Health. A pivotal suggestion underlined the demand for an evaluation module for the artistry and creativity industry to effectively gauge the impact of artistic programmes. The study also stressed the need for an upsurge in joint initiatives, addressing the obstacles faced by the elderly, particularly those in remote communities, to participate in arts and creativity. Implementing artistic engagement with amplified access, availability and synergy targeted towards these demographics will stimulate and push these groups to truly engage with arts and creativity, thereby yielding the benefits of ageing gracefully through art.
McManus is fervently enthusiastic about the Bealtaine Festival, centred around championing creativity in old age. “Honouring ageing in this manner emits a crucial message that the elderly are not merely fading into obscurity,” pontificates McManus. “Our gained experience and wisdom are valuable assets. A genuinely multigenerational community necessitates that the voices of the older generation be amplified, and Bealtaine facilitates this. The succeeding younger generation needs to understand that growing old can be enjoyable. The festival presents us with this opportunity to demonstrate that.”
McKinney suggests that old age is an era of exceptional prospects, allowing for increased self-expression and personal fulfilment. He appreciates the ability we have to subvert societal stereotypes and to portray ourselves in a myriad of ways as Irish citizens, not simply as demographic time bombs or a strain on public resources. Contrarily, he highlights that the elderly add significant value to Ireland through their extensive volunteer work.
“From the day of birth, we are all on a journey of ageing. The task at hand is to live as mindfully as possible. Our lives only enhance in richness as we age, irrespective of our years,” adds McKinney.