The film delivers a vital message about the link between staying connected to loved ones and remaining physically active and happiness. It also serves as a reminder of the essential role of support services like home care and residential aged care in helping older people maintain these priorities.
Juniper CEO Russell Bricknell said he was delighted the film is screening at the WA Made Film Festival and will reach an audience beyond the aged care sector, particularly in the lead up to the Federal election where aged care will be a key focus.
The beginning of 2025 has ushered in significant changes for Australia’s aged care sector. New measures will come into place on 1 July putting the needs of older people at the centre of the aged care system. These reforms come as part of the Government’s continued focus on transforming aged care and ensuring better outcomes for workers and recipients alike.
“This film captures beautifully the research and artwork we commissioned for our 75th anniversary, but more importantly, it amplifies the voices of a demographic that is often unheard and unrecognised,” Mr Bricknell said.
While the research found a generally optimistic cohort of older Western Australians who want to travel, exercise, give back to the community and learn new skills beyond retirement, it also revealed a few concerning statistics, including two-thirds of older Western Australians saying they have faced age discrimination.
“How we treat, perceive and engage with older people is a conversation we need to have as a wider society,” Mr Bricknell added. “This is not only the responsibility of those that provide the care to older people, but each and every one of us.
“With increasing life expectancy, ageism is likely to grow unless we take action to challenge it. It is our hope that audiences will see this film and reflect on their own interactions with older people.”
That was certainly the case for award-winning fine-art portrait photographer Wise, whose experience capturing Brian O’Grady, Jill Jack, Pat Edmonds, Lionel Wilson, Di Annear and Margaret Halsmith through the lens had a profound impact.
Wise’s distinctive style and creative approach has earned him multiple photographic awards at State, national and international level. However, he said the Wise project was “the proudest set of portraits I’ve ever done”.
“I got to meet a pretty amazing range of people of all ages and hear a range of stories. The time I spent with these six people, capturing their stories on large format film, was life changing,” he said.
“The images really capture happy older Western Australians who have lived their life well and are continuing to do so.”
Wise: The voice of older Western Australians will premiere at the WA Made Film Festival in Perth as part of the Aging Gracefully Short Film Showcase on Saturday, 22 February. Tickets are available to purchase at WA Made Film Festival.
Read more about Juniper’s research here.
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