That’s The Spirit

What qualities in people inspire me as I age, and how do I feel about ageing?

I had recently seen an exhibition of portrait paintings at The National Portrait Gallery with my friend Rose Rouse, who is also a cofounder of Advantages of Age, a social enterprise created to challenge the media narrative around ageing. We were struck how – particularly in the representations of older women – they seemed dispirited, physically defeated and crushed, as if weighed down by their years and experience.

I photographed Rose that day juxtaposed with a reproduction of a historical regal figure – their presence exudes power, strength and a vibrant spirit:

Rose told me that she and Suzanne Noble were planning a 2025 awards ceremony for the Advantages of Age in November and asked if I’d like to create an exhibition of six portraits that convey an alternative narrative to ageing. I agreed, and later, brainstorming with another friend these phrases emerged:

I am creative

I’m still learning

I am relevant

I love dancing

I’m not invisible

I live in the moment – not in the past (carpe diem)

Here are the portraits. Firstly, Julie whom I met at the London Colour Walk. Her powerful stare combined with home-made Medusa snake headdress connote a creative combination of cosiness and female empowerment:

Portraits:

Below, DJ  Bungle – a 62 year old Salsa dancer and Samba Percussionist – seen here at the Hyde Park Bandstand where we regularly dance throughout spring to late autumn:

Next, a woman I encountered at the New Orleans Jazz Fest earlier in the year. Smoking and with an O’ Shit badge firmly emblazoned in her sunhat, she was defiantly celebrating life:

Also from New Orleans is octogenarian artist Amzie Adams:

Below, observing my mum at her dressing table, 2025:

And finally, a man I noticed in a London Bank because of his impressive turquoise moustache. he had grown it for Movember, a charity addressing mens mental health issues including suicide awareness, as well as raising money for prostate and testicular cancer projects.

The images were displayed at the 2025 Advantages of Age Awards Ceremony in Hoxton Hall. I had the idea to make the exhibition collaborative and invited people to add their spirited phrases to the ones I’ve mentioned above. The affirmative words were placed around the portraits:

Below, genre-defying creative Marisa Mendez, joint winner of the 2025 Style Queen award, contemplates her affirmative statement:

Here are some of the contributions:

Below, mixed media and wearable art artist Alessandra Bester:

Next, a few more images from the awards ceremony. First of all, juggler Ben Cornish in action:

Looking across from my seat I spotted fellow photographer and colour walker Richard Kaby and his partner Helena:

Below, Suzanne Noble and my husband Stephen chatting about something big!

Finally, a photo of me on the left with fellow colour walkers and creatives Nidhi Uppal and Alessandra Bester:

Links:

Advantages of Age

Amzie Adams

Movember

Suzanne Noble