‘Heart wrenching’ handkerchief display confronts ageism in Lewes ahead of Age Without Limits action day

A unique handkerchief display has appeared in Lewes ahead of a national action day against ageism.
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Some 36 handkerchiefs are now in a window opposite Fork restaurant in Station Street, decorated with notes and advice from older people.

The display is accompanied by a poster for Age Without Limits, a campaign from the Centre for Ageing Better.

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A reader who photographed the display called it ‘heart wrenching’.

Some 36 handkerchiefs are displayed in a window opposite Fork restaurant in Station Street, Lewes, with notes and advice from older peopleSome 36 handkerchiefs are displayed in a window opposite Fork restaurant in Station Street, Lewes, with notes and advice from older people
Some 36 handkerchiefs are displayed in a window opposite Fork restaurant in Station Street, Lewes, with notes and advice from older people

One note reads: “I don’t think this is my last day but you are faced with the fact that it is all going to stop quite soon. It’s quite scary.”

Another reads: “Old age is a precarious condition. Equilibrium is important and one is unwilling to disturb it.”

One note says: “I hate walking with a stick because it is a clear badge of incapacity. People see that I need it. It makes me feel older.”

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But some of the notes have a quirky tone with one reading: “My advice is don’t be a miserable old git as you don’t get anywhere. Be nice to everyone ’cos you never know when you’re going to need a friend.”

The Age Without Limits campaign aims to change the way people think about ageing while supporting people and organisations who make society more age-inclusive. The Action Day on Wednesday, March 20, has the theme ‘See and be Seen’ and challenges the negative ways older people are portrayed in society. People can find out about events in Sussex at www.agewithoutlimits.org/events/action-days-south-east.

The Centre for Ageing Better said they did not organise the Lewes display, but said they encourage everyone to take part in Action Day. They said some people have taken inspiration from the theme and used their own initiative.

Campaign advisor Jo Loughran said: “We’re delighted so many people and community groups across the country are taking up the opportunity to participate in the first Age Without Limits Action Day. We’re excited that within just two months of the Age Without Limits campaign launching, we have so many people who have wanted to get involved and interpret the Action Day aims and objectives for themselves.

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“There is still time for more groups and people to get involved and we suggest downloading one of our action packs which contain useful information and materials for anyone choosing to get behind the day.”