The Big Anxiety: Reflecting on and challenging ideas about ageing

Experiencing mental health problems isn’t a normal part of the ageing process. While one in four people will experience a mental health issue, the number of reported cases decreases to one in 12 for people over the age of 65. You might think that’s because older people are less likely to be struggling with their mental health, but in reality this reduction in reporting is because those over 60 feel mental health is one of those things ‘you just don’t talk about’.

The Ageing Futures Institute at the University of New South Wales is partnering with The Big Anxiety, a biennial event hosted by the university and the Black Dog Institute combining art, science and technology with the aim of transforming the way we think about and communicate when it comes to mental health, for a thought-provoking program of events representing different views on ageing and what it is to ‘be old’.

The university’s Art and Design Scientia professor Jill Bennett is the artistic director of The Big Anxiety and says the festival is breaking new ground and occupying space between art and health.

“Those things are usually quite separate. There are not many big art festivals in Australia, or anywhere else in the world, that bring art and health together, despite data showing that engaging in art does improve health,” Bennett says.

Coinciding with Mental Health Month in October, the festival’s Ageing Program brings together artists, designers, social commentators and speakers who will explore the joys and anxieties of ageing with a series of workshops, panel discussions and interactive public artworks between September 27 and November 9.

There are four opportunities in the Ageing Program. One involves a character created from interviews with women with dementia, in the pioneering interactive animation, The Visit — while you can also hear about ageing emerging from the margins in the panel discussion, The Razz.

Matrix is a shared creative experience for senior members of the community. Participants will be escorted on a personal tour of major art works in The Big Anxiety and will then be invited to share their thoughts.

It’s a new way for older people to share their emotions and thoughts about the art in the context of life experiences. The end result will culminate in a communal creative work.

“Matrix forms part of the Ageing Futures Institute’s ongoing research and explores issues relating to creativity and health and wellbeing, how you experience ageing and the changes to your mind, body, health and relationships,” says institute research fellow Dr Gail Kenning.

Kenning says individuals or groups are encouraged to contact her if they are interested in the range of arts engagement activities that have been specifically designed for seniors. It’s an opportunity to express your feelings, thoughts and wants, as well as the joys and anxieties you have about ageing.

We know that many older adults don’t want to acknowledge the issues they are experiencing; they fail to get help, treatment or support; and feel bringing up such problems will only burden their loved one. All this can lead to serious mental health problems.

However, we also know that mental health is not something you should be ashamed or embarrassed about. It’s important to reach out when help is needed and The Big Anxiety is an opportunity that can help remove the stigma of mental health in an informal and inspiring way, and for that reason Starts at 60 is all for it.