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Secret of timeless treasures
Seniors explore and share the meanings
behind their keepsakes.
I
mages of an older person clutching a worn sepia photograph
or anxiously checking to make sure a beloved brooch is still
festooned to their cardigan permeate our view of the mature
aged so much they have become clichés.
Emotionally resonant possessions, ranging from worthless
trinkets to priceless heirlooms, do gain worth exponentially
for seniors as they grow older and, often, more alone.
A current project helps socially isolated seniors explore the
meaning behind these treasured ornaments, photographs and
other keepsakes that adorn mantles or have been safely tucked
away in cupboards.
The Treasured Possessions project is run by the University
of Sydney node of the Australian Research Council Centre of
Excellence for the History of Emotions. It involves socially isolated
seniors in regional New South Wales coming together to reflect on
the emotional value of the precious objects in their lives.
The project, modelled on the Love in Objects program run in
London in 2014, incorporates museum visits, talks from historians
and curators, and memoir writing and photography classes
designed to encourage participants to connect with the past and
with others in the community.
Treasured Possessions started in April and will run for eight
weeks, culminating in a multimedia exhibition of treasured
possessions and related stories.
The project’s founder, University of Sydney researcher
Dr Kimberley-Joy Knight, said the core aim of the program is
to reduce isolation by fostering positive emotional experiences
and memories, and creating a social environment where
people from different cultures and backgrounds can share their
life experiences.
“We’re keen to show that Australian seniors have a lot to offer
their communities; they have important stories to tell,” Knight said.
“I think this is a great way of sharing those histories.” n
iWedding marries family, tech
Feros Village helps grandmother of the groom
virtually attend festivities half a world away.
T
he wonders of modern technology
have enabled Alma Bilson, an
89-year-old resident of Feros
Village in Wommin Bay, in far north New
South Wales, to watch her grandson’s
wedding take place in the UK via Skype.
10 agedcareinsite.com.au
“They were just right there!” Alma said. “It
was like we were there; we all felt the same
emotions as we would if we were sitting in
the hall in Whitney.”
While Alma’s grandson Trent was
marrying Helen in England, the proud
matriarch blew kisses to her relatives and
new in-laws and was even included in the
photography, via a surrogate holding up an
iPad carrying her visage.
“I had sweaty palms when the bride was
late and we were all wondering where she
was,” Alma said. “Trent must have been
worried, too – I saw him wipe his palms on
his suit pants. Lucky his mother didn’t see!
“It was an overwhelming experience. I
was worried before-hand that it may not
work. I wasn’t feeling up to making the big
trip but I didn’t want to miss out on the
wedding. Family is so important to me and
all my grandchildren are so special.
“One of the Feros ladies, Cate, even
bought me a beautiful corsage out of her
own money. It was such a beautiful time.
I can’t believe the effort everyone made
to ensure I wouldn’t miss out. I’m just so
grateful to have this unreal experience!”
In order for the redolence of the nuptials to
travel across two oceans and permeate the
village, staff baked the same cake – Tim-Tam
flavoured – as that at the actual celebration.
“I love how the simple application of
technology can be just so powerful,”
Feros Care tech guru Shelly Fletcher
said. “It connected grandmother to
grandson on the other side of the world.
We just love to use simple things to
make a massive difference in the lives of
our residents.” n