Targeting ageism in County Durham on Age Without Limits Day

To celebrate Age Without Limits Day on 10 June, we planned an event to challenge the preconceptions about what ageing looks like, this year’s campaign theme being ‘Question Ageism’. 

With funding from the Centre for Ageing Better, we organised free sessions in crossbow and pistol shooting, archery and spear throwing at Moor House Adventure Centre near Houghton le Spring.  30 participants from the County, aged between 53 and 82, took the opportunity, many for the first time, to practice their shooting skills with the help of Moor House Adventure Centre staff.

Samantha Wheeler, from Tow Law, was one of the participants. She commented: “I think the Age Without Limits Day is a great idea. It’s about breaking down some of those concepts that people have about age and how limited you may be on some of your activities because of your age. I’ve had a great time today.  It’s lovely to get together with all the people.  Some people I know, we meet regularly, some people I’m meeting for the first time. Age UK County Durham is a brilliant organisation … they are giving us the opportunity to try these various events.  Some people are a little competitive, but we’re all having good fun.”  

Robyn Holmes, Chief Executive of Age UK County Durham, added: “Ageism often happens subconsciously, and our event was about encouraging all of us to recognise and question any bias that may limit the experience and opportunities for the older members of our community.  There is a real enthusiasm in our older generation to try new things, to learn new skills, and to get out and enjoy every opportunity available to them.  We need to ensure that every member of our communities can age well, and remain healthy and happy through later life. We’re careful about the stereotypical language we use regarding other demographics, but stop short of thinking how we describe older people.  Terms like ‘winding down’ and ‘stuck in their ways’ are regularly used and pigeonhole people aged over 50.  We’re saying that getting older definitely does not mean people are stuck in their ways.  Our event has shown, they are actually keen to try new things, meet new people and make the most of life.”