Welcome listeners! I’m absolutely thrilled to share this week’s episode of "Retirement Rebel Life After 60" with you. Today, I had the honour of chatting with the incredible Alex Rotas, a true pioneer in challenging the stereotypes that surround ageing. Our conversation is one that I believe many of you will find both inspiring and empowering.
One of the key subjects we delved into was how Alex uses her photography to combat the often negative and limiting images of older adults that pervade our media. She captures vibrant, active individuals in their sixties, seventies, eighties, and beyond, participating in competitive sports. These images are not just pictures; they are powerful statements that redefine what it means to age. Through her lens, Alex shows the world that being older doesn't mean being inactive or invisible, but rather, it's a time when many continue to thrive and pursue their passions.
Another fascinating topic we discussed was Alex’s extensive travels to document these amazing individuals. She travels to events like the World Games, photographing athletes who embody the spirit of active ageing. Hearing about her adventures highlighted how important it is to see and celebrate older adults who are challenging the norms and pushing their boundaries. These stories are a testament to the fact that getting older can be a time of endless possibilities and new experiences, and it's essential that these narratives become more visible in our society.
Lastly, we explored Alex’s compelling film projects, "Older" and "Younger." These documentaries feature older athletes and truly bring their stories to life in a moving and impactful way. As Alex and I talked about these films, it became clear that they are more than just documentaries; they are conversations that challenge viewers to rethink their assumptions about ageing and consider a more nuanced and positive perspective.
I invite you to join us in this episode as we celebrate the incredible work of Alex Rotas and the dynamic individuals she showcases through her photography and films. If you’re looking for inspiration and proof that life after 60 can be vibrant, active, and full of adventure, this episode is definitely for you. Don’t forget to subscribe, follow, and rate us on your podcast app. Let’s get started and embrace our inner rebels together!
Don’t forget to follow / subscribe to the podcast for FREE on your podcast app of choice, or play it directly from the website: www.retirementrebel.co.uk
Key Points:
02:02 - Introducing Alex Rotas and Her Mission I introduce Alex Rotas, a photographer who's dedicated to changing the narrative around aging. Her work captures the vibrancy of active aging through sports photography, and she's here to share her insights and journey.
02:12 - Alex’s Catalyst for Change Alex describes how turning 60 motivated her to challenge the negative imagery associated with aging. Her dissatisfaction with how aging was portrayed led her to take action.
03:20 - Depressing Stereotypes vs. Reality Alex shares her frustration with stereotypical images of aging and how they don't reflect the full story. Her photography aims to show older individuals actively engaged in their passions.
04:40 - Discovering the Power of Photography Despite having no prior photography experience, Alex was driven to change the narrative of aging. She sought help and leapt into capturing the active lives of older athletes.
06:56 - Learning and Embracing New Skills Alex details her learning curve and journey into photography, fuelled by determination to portray older athletes in a positive light.
11:15 - Unveiling the Reality of Active Aging Alex discusses the surprise and...
