Blog by Emily Dobbie, Volunteer at The Grange Day Centre

As I rapidly approach my 30s I am becoming a victim of the cosmetic industries mass marketing.

Buying creams, potions and lotions ‘because I am worth it’ which will help me ‘stop counting the wrinkles’ and ‘reverse the signs of ageing.’ All of which I am convinced will do nothing other than dent my bank balance!

However this got me thinking, why is it that ageing – one of life’s natural progressions – is portrayed negatively in the media, with everyone trying to resist it and derogatory phrases common place, particularly with the younger generations.

I have recently started voluntary work at a day care centre for elders in Throckley (The Grange Centre) and now realise that every wrinkle and every line on an elderly person’s face and hands tells a story – whether it be a life spent down the mines or battle scars from the World Wars.

Age is something that should be celebrated and at The Grange Centre it is. Through community arts projects elders are encouraged to take part in pottery, singing for the brain, gentle exercise including Tai Chi and Wii Fit, ceramic tile painting and poetry.

Once a year the elders take part in an outdoor activity day in Newburn where they are given the opportunity to try their hand at archery, canoeing, raft building and abseiling.

It is this ‘can do’ attitude of the Grange Centre’s staff which has seen 91 years olds and wheelchair users abseil; and it is through these new experiences that we find out about the elders histories – the activities they enjoyed in the past, their goals and their zest for life. Proof that age definitely comes before beauty!