The Map of Meaning and Ageing: a self-reflection guide, is the next phase for ‘See me. Know me.’ campaign, designed to speak back to ageism.

The guide provides an opportunity for individuals or small groups to work through the evidence-based framework, The Map of Meaning, in the context of getting older. We asked a group of 70 people aged between 65 and 85: “What’s it like growing older in Australia?” . Silence. Eventually, a lone voice from the back: “I’m not old!” This brought some laughter into the room. The group were part of a special event in our See me. Know me. campaign. The campaign was pitched at people over 65. We found our message of promoting older people as whole people, with a unique history and a future, resonated very strongly with the people we spoke with. This group was gathered for a high tea experience where we provided reflective questions to talk over. The feedback was very positive – we heard so much surprise and delight at the opportunity to reflect.

When preparing this guide, we also asked people over 70 who are on our social media channels which they prefer, if they had to choose: older person, senior or later life. One answer that came back quickly was, “I want to be called Trish” (name changed). This makes sense. We all want to be seen for who we are and not put into categories. And yet, being 65, 75 or 85 means you are at a different life stage to your younger years. This seems obvious but it speaks to the dilemma we have. In Australia it is uncomfortable to think and talk about ageing. Why would we resist being described as old if it was associated with wisdom, privilege, honour, growth, experience, gift or potential? The resistance to being described as old is resistance to being described as out-of-date, dependent, useless, falling apart, wilting.

“If nothing else, the pandemic has been a powerful reminder of the importance of inner strength and having a sense of meaning is a major contributor to that.”

The Map of Meaning and Ageing: a self-reflection guide is was reviewed by a group of seniors who also contributed to the initial design. Content was written by Meaningful Ageing Australia using the work of Lani Morris from New Zealand, who is now in her 70s and has been using the Map with individuals and groups around the subject of ageing for the last few years.

V2 of the Self Reflection Guide is being updated in October 2023 – to be released as a editable pdf digital version.