The images showing the positive side of ageing

Hazel Ramsay was awarded second prize for her picture of her mother, Karen Mcleod, celebrating her 70th birthday in the village of Sandsend

Fun images celebrating the diversity of older people’s lives are going to tour the county they were snapped in.

The photo competition, organised by North Yorkshire Council, was designed to demonstrate how older people continue to find joy in everyday life and enrich the lives of those around them.

The councillor in charge of health and adult services, Michael Harrison, said the images countered "negativity normally associated with old age".

Karen McLeod, who was featured in the second-placed photograph, said: "You've got to get out, do something, don't sit about. You've got to think positive."

The third prize was awarded to Jayne Freeman, who captured Masham residents Rolo Leathley and Ian Johnson at work

Ms McLeod said her picture was taken on the day of her 70th birthday.

"I was with my family doing nice things and it was just perfect. My daughter Hazel said 'Come on Mum, give us a kick' because I try to keep flexible, so I gave her a high kick.

"I loved the whole weekend, it was just fabulous."

Karen is a member of two choirs and a photography club and says she loves connecting with people.

"Sometimes it can be out of your comfort zone to go to a new group and meet new people but I find that people of our age are always really welcoming.

"Even if you're down in the dumps, go and have a coffee somewhere and if someone chats to you it's really lovely," she added.

'Contribute so much'

Harrison said: “North Yorkshire has a higher proportion of older people compared with other areas which is to be celebrated as many older people contribute so much to their communities."

The council’s director of public health, Louise Wallace, said: “We’ve been very impressed and overwhelmed with the response to our Ageing Well competition.

"It’s been fantastic to see so many different ways older people contribute to our society."

The first prize was awarded to Ann Elgie of Ripon, who is seen playing on equipment at her local park

The exhibition will visit Jubilee Hall in Cayton on 10 October, between 11:00 and 13:00 BST.

It will then be at Pickering Library between 2 and 8 November.

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