Retirees recreate David Bowie, Taylor Swift and other iconic album covers

By Lauren Beavis via SWNS

Retirees have recreated iconic album covers by artists including Taylor Swift - to challenge negative stereotypes around aging.

The five friends in their 70s and 80s have posed for new versions of LPs like Adele's '21' to Blink-182's 'Enema of the State' and Davie Bowie's 'Aladdin Sane'

Retired nurse Anne Blendell, 79, can be seen wearing blue latex gloves and a nurse’s hat to recreate Blink-182's iconic album cover.

Local resident Teresa Clarke, 76, can be seen posing in black and white as Adele, as well as Maureen Capper, 80, striking a pose like Madonna and Pat Shepherd, 85, posing like Taylor Swift.

Amateur photographer Louise Ahrens, who is the Health and Social Care Lead for Christchurch Primary Care Network and an Age Friendly Ambassador, also featured her own father Keith Martin, 83, as David Bowie from the Aladdin Sane album in the series.

The project, organized in partnership between Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council and the local Age-Friendly Communities Network, marks the United Nations International Day of Older People on 1 October.

Cllr Sandra Moore, Portfolio Holder for Communities and Partnerships at BCP Council said: “It is so important we celebrate the integral role older people play in our communities and neighborhoods; as workers, carers, volunteers, activists and community connectors.

"Often, these vital contributions are overlooked or limited by ageism and other societal and physical barriers.

“The vintage idols display not only challenges some of the stereotypes of older people but propels our senior population into the spotlight.

"My thanks go to our vintage idols for their support, Louise Ahren for her stunning photography, and to the Christchurch Community Partnership who helped find willing volunteers to have their photos taken for this project.”

The public will be able to view the photos in venues across the BCP area this October, including various libraries, Hengistbury Head Visitors Centre, Kinson Community Centre and Access Wellbeing Hub in The Dolphin Centre, Poole.

The campaign comes as the Council celebrates 25 Age Friendly Ambassadors starting their roles this year.

These ambassadors, which include residents, group leaders and members from the Age Friendly network of businesses and organizations, are working closely with BCP Council and partners on age-friendly training and communications while raising awareness of issues affecting our older population.

Kelly Deane, Director of Housing and Communities at BCP Council, said: “There is a lot of great work happening across the BCP area to improve the lives of older residents, and the council is committed to making our community a better place to live in.

“This year the World Health Organisation accepted Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole into their Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities.

"This means that alongside gaining and sharing best practice locally and nationally, we can now be part of the international network.”

The vintage idols display is just one of many events happening to celebrate International Day of Older People on Tuesday 1 October. The Parks Foundation are hosting a free lunch for over 65s across all their cafes, there’s free mini golf in the Chine Gardens, Boscombe, for over 65s and free tea and coffee at Kinson Community Centre for over 60s.