Beyond Age 2026

Beyond Age asked members of the community to reflect upon their lives to showcase different experiences of ageing. Participants brought along a photo of their younger selves and had a new photo taken to show them in 2026. The participants also answered the question "What would you tell your younger self about getting older?".

Click on the images to see them full size.

^{Left to right: Anna, Bei Li, Colleen}

Anna: "Look forward to new experiences. There's so much to learn about life and people.
Enjoy the challenges. They make you stronger."
Bei Li: "Whatever happens, be brave."
Colleen: "Don’t be afraid, the clouds pass, the sun still shines."

 

^{Left to right: Danielle, Edwina, Fang}

Danielle: "It’s ok to slow down and only do those things you enjoy."
Edwina: "Remember to always be kind and compassionate towards others.
Show gratitude for the wonderful opportunities that pass your way. And most of all enjoy life's journey."
Fang: "Work hard and be driven."

 

^{Left to right: Faye, Fu Ming, Glenice}

Faye: "Enjoy life, love your family, stay healthy, exercise a lot to avoid injuries."
Fu Ming: "Cherish life." 
Glenice: "Just keep moving!"

 

^{Left to right: Jacqueline, Janet, Julie}

Jacqueline: "Be content in life and live your best life possible."
Janet: "Don’t dwell on getting older."
Julie: "Listen to your heart, love yourself and prioritise your needs."

 

^{Left to right: Julie Anne, Kathleen, Liz}

Julie Anne: "It’s going to be an incredible challenge, even life threatening at times."
Kathleen: "Being older has it’s positive sides. More freedom to make decisions and have good memories."
Liz: "Work to create a robust friend network."

 

^{Left to right: Margaret, Marge, Maryann}

Margaret: "Never adopt a dismissive attitude towards older people."
Marge: "You can feel it in the body, more tired, no energy sometimes."
Maryann: "Save for tomorrow."

 

^{Left to right: Robyn, Rosie, Sharyn}

Robyn: "To be able to make others laugh with you and not at you."
Rosie: "I’d rather be talked about than ignored or forgotten!"
Sharyn: "Don’t sweat the small stuff and keep in contact with your friends.
Pay someone to clean your house so more time can be spent with your kids."

 

^{Left to right: Song, Sue S, Sue W}

Song: "Do whatever you want to do. Keep healthy."
Sue S: "Take more care of your money. Plan ahead financially for retirement."
Sue W: "Look forward to every journey you make with hope and joy."

 

^{Left to right: Wei Qun, Wen Han, Yu Xing}

Wei Qun: "Respect death. Remain positive. Study hard. Be the best version of yourself."
Wen Han: "Keep having a youthful mindset as you step into elderly life."
Yu Xing: "Be good to yourself."

*2026 photos taken by Stephen McKenzie.