When Suzanne Noble and Rose Rouse founded Advantages of Age, in 2016, they both had one thing in mind: changing media’s narrative around ageing. Recognising the need to avoid societies bias views on ageing, the women have created a community which celebrates and offers new experiences to the mature demographic.

 

Recently celebrating its second birthday, Advantages of Age has turned from a newly established online platform into a social enterprise supported by the Arts Council funding. The community focuses on ensuring that the mature market is not forgotten or misconceived and is working hard to get rid of all the media stereotypes. It is taking a stand and showing today’s society what the elder demographic truly have to offer. From getting all dressed up for their big nights out, to letting lose and having fun at the unique Improvisation Sundays, there are no limitations when joining the AoA community.

 

The story behind the group is one of a kind. Having one of their regular beloved hot tub sessions, Noble and her close girlfriends began to rant about their frustration of the media’s perception of older women. A bottle of wine, or two, later the girls gave Noble the inspiration to create Advantage of Age. “We aim to make people more positive about getting older. Whether it is educating them with regards to work, providing them with interesting articles which they can read and feel good about or attending parties. It is all about building and bringing everyone together.” explains Noble.

 

English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA) researchers have shown a correlation between the social exclusion and loneliness leading to unhealthy lifestyles. Factors such as lack of social relationship and civic activities have been proven to cause depression and disbarring of the mature market. However, the AoA community has successfully brought together over 3000 people connecting them through its Facebook group and social events, and impacting their life in numerous influential ways.

 

Eileen O’Sullivan, who joined as member in 2017, explained her story. “I came for one of the Advantage of Age days out form Manchester having known not many people in London, and coming across this integrated group of wonderful people was a big influence into my decision to move back to London.”

 

Ensuring everyone is catered for is a must for Noble and Rouse. Exclusion is not an option. “It isn't all about flamboyance but it definitely was something that instigated a lot of what we do. We have had members who have said that they were going to throw away all their bright and wonderful clothes because they felt like they could no longer wear them but now Advantages of Age has given them permission and a reason not to,” says Noble.

 

Figuring out strategies on how to keep in work and remain valuable to society, the community explores all sectors of life from work to travel, relationships and sex lives. Working alongside jeweller Alice Portnoy and writer Sophie Parkin the community is able to explore many area, finding new interests and events to attend.

 

“The funnest thing we do is defiantly is our Facebook live interviews whilst sitting in the hot tub. It is fun and crazy to see how people get into a hot tub and just get chatting away after being so reluctant about getting” expresses Noble.

 

Check out Advantages of Ages to connect with likeminded individuals who want to celebrate ageing in a positive way. www.advantagesofage.com