Postcards is a new library of interviews with people over the age of 50.

I am gathering and recording anecdotes, stories and biographies from people who are great storytellers, people who have had interesting adventures, and people who have insights to share with future generations.

Have a look at our collected postcard stories.

In future, I anticipate using the library as a resource for advocating for better appreciation of older people in our communities.

I would love to hear from you!  With continued societal mobility and a frenetically-paced life, the opportunities to share knowledge and pass on stories are minimal. Yet everybody has a story to tell.  Let’s not forget any more of them.

Policy context of the project

Two reports that examine the issues surrounding ageing populations call for a cultural shift in the way society views and interacts with older people. Specifically, the reports said:

From NESTA’s (nesta.org.uk) research summary Preparing for Ageing

• “In just over 15 years, older people will represent the majority of the population.”
• We should “ensure a much greater visibility for older people in politics, society and culture, and a renewed respect between generations.”

From the United Nation’s Population Fund (unfpa.org/ageingreport/) report Ageing in the Twenty-First Century: A Celebration and A Challenge

• We should “promote positive images of ageing, particularly through the media.”

Ways of getting involved

Contact me and then we can work together to figure out the best way to record your story or stories.

1. In-person (probably two or three hour-long interviews)
2. In writing (by hand or on the computer; could provide a list of questions as a prompt)
3. Via tape recorder (could provide a list of questions as a prompt)

Questions to get you thinking

• Birth date and place
• Sibings? Family?
• Favourite childhood memory(s)
• Funny stories about childhood
• Funny stories about siblings, parents or other family members
• Timeline of where you lived and when
• Significant relationship(s) and partner(s)

• Young adulthood
• When was a time that you were particularly confident in or happy with yourself as an individual, your abilities and/or your place in life?
•      Did you do anything particular to achieve that?
• Have there been any major cultural or societal changes so far during your lifetime?
•      How were you a part of them?
• Are there any major changes or decisions you made in your life that you would like to explain or preserve the reasoning for?
• Do you have a saying or quote you use a lot or you try to live life by?
•      Why is it important to you?
• Do you have any particular indulgences?
•      If yes, what are they?
• What is something that has profoundly affected you?
• Has immigration or migration been a part of your life?
•      If yes, when, how and why?
•      How did that movement and change affect your family?
•      Do you think there is a broader pattern of movement in the population, now and then?
•      If yes, how have they changed?
• Other thoughts