Billions of videos have been uploaded to You Tube since 2005, and the majority of users would likely agree most of the content on the video-sharing website is a huge waste of time.
Not so for one video produced by local seniors and youths that helps to raise awareness about “ageism” – the forming of stereotypes or biases against someone because of their age.
As of last week, and since its posting last month, the Age Strong “intergenerational” video has received almost 1,700 views on You Tube – it is the first video listed under the search “age strong intergenerational project” at www.youtube.com. But it’s about more than just numbers.
Organizer Sheli O’Connor, the Wellington Seniors at Risk System Coordinator, said the video may have already accomplished more to combat ageism than anything she has been a part of over the last decade.
“It’s been a really positive experience for everyone involved, and very inspiring,” she told the Advertiser.
She explained the video, which features a rap song and juxtaposed situational demonstrations of respectful and disrespectful behaviour, is part of a larger “intergenerational project” that was developed out of the ongoing need to raise awareness for elder abuse.
“It’s very under-reported and people don’t want to talk about it,” O’Connor said.
Finding that the usual methods of brochures, flyers, presentations, and regular advertising were falling short, she sought more of a “social marketing approach.”
With the help of marketing students from Conestoga College and the University of Guelph, who conducted surveys with area high school students, O’Connor said it became clear the 15 to 18 age group was “very social conscious” and wanted to make effective change in the world.
With that idea in mind, and in cooperation with Trellis Mental Health and Development Services and the University of Guelph’s Centre for Families, Work and Well-Being, O’Connor decided to apply for funding for an intergenerational project through the federal government.
After receiving word of the application’s success, the next step was to recruit 15 teenagers and 15 older adults, including several of each from the Fergus area, to come up with a tool kit of sorts to raise awareness of ageism in high schools.
The group of 30 came up the Age Strong name, as well as the slogan Respecting Seniors is Respecting Yourself, and both were placed on bracelets and T-shirts. Those, along with posters and other items, are a great compliment to the presentation for students.
O’Connor said the youths in the group also felt it important to do something on the Internet, which led to the idea for the rap song.
Student Trey Russell wrote the lyrics and student Michael Gora, of Fergus, wrote the music for the video, which was shot in one day in May at the University of Guelph, and produced by volunteer Dawn Grimmer.
The video was presented during the project’s first presentation at St. James Catholic High School in Guelph last month. The second will take place on Dec. 7 at College Heights Secondary School, also in Guelph.
In addition to the rap video, the group also has a Facebook page that can be found under “Intergenerational Project – Stop Ageism.”
Participant Audrey Bell, who lives in Pine Meadows, near Belwood, said one of the project’s intended effects – to dispel stereotypes based on age – was experienced firsthand by many of those who took part.
“I just found the whole endeavour really stimulating, surprising and rewarding,” she said. “You try not to pre-judge, but we all do.”
Her opinion of teenagers has definitely changed since the experience.
“I just couldn’t say enough about them. They were just great,” Bell said. “I was wonderfully surprised they didn’t fit the mold I had in my mind in any way.”
She added she heard many of the younger participants “were nicely surprised by us, too.” That certainly was the case for Gora, who agreed the project benefitted everyone involved in some way.
“It didn’t seem like you were hanging out with elderly people,” he said. “It sort of bridged the gap, I guess.”
Gora has music writing experience, but felt the project was different than other things he has done.
“It was really fun … it’s a good message, I think,” he said. “It worked out well.”
Gora was particularly impressed with the lyrics written by Russell, and Bell noted O’Connor, Grimmer and all those who helped organize the project deserve a lot of credit.
“I think it’s great,” she said specifically of the video.
One of her friends really liked it, she noted, adding now the task is getting others – of all ages – to watch it.
“I told my grandkids, ‘You’re grandmother has been on You Tube and you haven’t,’” she said with a laugh. “One way or another, they’re going to watch it.”
Bell joked that seniors like her don’t have much to brag about at their age. But as the intergenerational project tries to show, nothing could be farther from the truth.
