Reframing Older Age Through Local Stories of Active Living

Context

In Ukrainian media, older people are often portrayed primarily through the lens of vulnerability, need, or social problems. This narrows public perceptions of ageing and leaves little room for stories of activity, self-realization, and engagement with the community.

For local media, the topic of older age is particularly important because the quality of older people’s daily lives is shaped largely at the city level through access to cultural, educational, and social initiatives.

What has been done

The regional media outlet Nashe Misto produced the longread “The Art of Living with Interest: How Dnipro Creates a Comfortable Environment for Older People,” featuring stories of older residents of Dnipro who continue to live actively, develop new skills, and contribute to their community.

The article:

• presents examples of self-realization in later life, including discovering new talents, participating in community groups, and helping others;
• demonstrates how the city and local initiatives are creating a more comfortable and inclusive environment for older residents;
• shifts the focus from the “problem” of age to the potential of later life and the value of experience.

How it was implemented

Journalists used a longread format built around a series of interviews with active older residents of Dnipro. This approach made it possible to portray ageing through vivid, motivating stories rooted in a local context while avoiding generalizations and stereotypes. The publication increased audience awareness of both the needs and the opportunities of older people and drew attention to positive local practices that support their inclusion in community life.

The article also encouraged readers to become more active in community life and to support intergenerational solidarity, demonstrating how journalism can foster a more inclusive understanding of older age.

What other media can learn

• Tell stories about older people through the lens of activity, agency, and self-realization rather than only through problems or limitations.
• Avoid infantilizing older people or framing them primarily through pity or loneliness.
• Treat age with the same care as gender or disability; age is part of identity, not a synonym for vulnerability.
• Ask not only “What is difficult for you?” but also “What interests you?” and “What would you like to do next?”
• Avoid generalizations such as “all pensioners”; older age is diverse and people have very different experiences, health conditions, resources, and opportunities.
• Highlight the role of local initiatives and communities that directly influence older people’s quality of life.
• Involve older people as experts on their own lives and communities, not only as subjects of social stories.
• Use long-form journalism to challenge age stereotypes and promote intergenerational solidarity.