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Indoors: experiences of older people during lockdown

Older people are at the centre of the COVID-19 pandemic emergency. Age is a proven risk-factor in disease complications, and people over 65 are officially perceived to be a vulnerable group for whom self-isolation can be especially important. However, despite this focus on older people, the experiences of older people in lockdown have received less attention. This exhibition seeks to bring those experiences into the spotlight.

Through the images and stories of older Londoners and their neighbours in lockdown in spring 2020, this photography exhibition opens the door to the lived realities of coping and connecting among a community commonly perceived as among society’s most vulnerable. 

This exhibition is a new collaboration between the photographer Adam Isfendiyar and researchers from the University of Oxford’s Wellcome Centre for Ethics and Humanities and Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit. Join us in taking a closer look at the stories of older people and their families managing the ups and downs of lockdown from the doorsteps of East London.

The exhibition is part of the Being Human Festival 2020: the UK's only national festival of the humanities. To read the full interviews see Adam’s website.

TO VIEW THE PHOTOS IN EACH GALLERY, FOLLOW THE TITLE LINKS BELOW AND CLICK ON ANY IMAGE.

Peggy (95), was born in Bow and is a Londoner ‘born and bred’: 'I go to two lunch clubs and I help out at one of them. I miss that, I miss getting up and having a purpose. You get up now and (think) ‘what should I do? I’d better bake, or I’d better…’ So nothing is pressing, you’re just going along, you’re not doing what you should be doing because it’s holiday isn’t it. I’m not a shopper, except for food and that. I don’t spend money on myself. I don’t have it, I just don’t have it, but I do like to go on the bus or on the train. Not so much on the train because I can’t walk that well. I just miss people, but I’m very fortunate having my neighbours who are very kind and always there for me, so that’s good.'

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Connectedness: relationships and communityIsabel owns a local Spanish restaurant with her son Eduardo, which she started in 1982. She has lived in London since the 1960s: 'I have been spending a lot of time keeping my mind active. Facebook and WhatsApp keep me connected to friends and family who are far away and it’s always nice keeping in touch and sharing our experiences. I like to crochet and have made lots of things from toys for my grandchildren to slippers as well as lots of face masks that I have given to people. My son pops by regularly, bringing things I need, and I chat to him from the window or at a distance by the street door. This is an amazing street and there is always a friendly face to chat to and they ask how you are, we always try to look out for each other, although it’s a little sad to see the shops all closed.'Isabel owns a local Spanish restaurant with her son Eduardo, which she started in 1982. She has lived in London since the 1960s: 'I have been spending a lot of time keeping my mind active. Facebook and WhatsApp keep me connected to friends and family who are far away and it’s always nice keeping in touch and sharing our experiences. I like to crochet and have made lots of things from toys for my grandchildren to slippers as well as lots of face masks that I have given to people. My son pops by regularly, bringing things I need, and I chat to him from the window or at a distance by the street door. This is an amazing street and there is always a friendly face to chat to and they ask how you are, we always try to look out for each other, although it’s a little sad to see the shops all closed.'

Coping: keeping safe and making the most of life
Rachel (42) and David (77) have been married for 11 years and live in Limehouse. David who lives with Levy Body Dementia, benefits from accessible creative activities such as dancing, theatre, and drawing: 'Since the lockdown, all our groups have transferred online, and we've found more kindred spirits and support than ever before. Of course, it's been tough in many ways given all the limitations and fear for David, who is deemed highly vulnerable. He forgets why he has to wash his hands, can't go to the pool anymore or see people he used to see. All the practical help I had struggled to organise over the years to provide me with some respite and continue some freelancing work, has stopped. Having to rebuild a new routine has been tough on both of us, but as always we prefer to focus on the bright side. We still have each other and in that alone we are lucky. Many people in similar situations are separated because one is 'locked up' in care home with all the fear and worries that ensue.'Rachel (42) and David (77) have been married for 11 years and live in Limehouse. David who lives with Levy Body Dementia, benefits from accessible creative activities such as dancing, theatre, and drawing: 'Since the lockdown, all our groups have transferred online, and we've found more kindred spirits and support than ever before. Of course, it's been tough in many ways given all the limitations and fear for David, who is deemed highly vulnerable. He forgets why he has to wash his hands, can't go to the pool anymore or see people he used to see. All the practical help I had struggled to organise over the years to provide me with some respite and continue some freelancing work, has stopped. Having to rebuild a new routine has been tough on both of us, but as always we prefer to focus on the bright side. We still have each other and in that alone we are lucky. Many people in similar situations are separated because one is 'locked up' in care home with all the fear and worries that ensue.'

Memories: reflections and comparisons
Joe (96) served in the British Army during the Second World War. He saw active service in Italy, including the Battle of Monte Cassino: 'It was an experience, something to look back on. It wasn’t a great experience, but still. You see the other side of life. I was there for just over three years in Italy. It was interesting times. It was dangerous at times. I was a unit armourer. We used to make sure the weapons were working correctly - if they needed repairing, we’d do that. We was up there in the Battle of Cassino when they bombed the monastery. We was outside there. It was an experience. But I think this lockdown seems to be worse. Harder, maybe, because of my age. Harder than when I was in the army during that time, that period. It was scary at the time but we was young. I was only 20.'Joe (96) served in the British Army during the Second World War. He saw active service in Italy, including the Battle of Monte Cassino: 'It was an experience, something to look back on. It wasn’t a great experience, but still. You see the other side of life. I was there for just over three years in Italy. It was interesting times. It was dangerous at times. I was a unit armourer. We used to make sure the weapons were working correctly - if they needed repairing, we’d do that. We was up there in the Battle of Cassino when they bombed the monastery. We was outside there. It was an experience. But I think this lockdown seems to be worse. Harder, maybe, because of my age. Harder than when I was in the army during that time, that period. It was scary at the time but we was young. I was only 20.'

WHAT CAN I DO?

Life under lockdown comes with many challenges for older people. These concern every member of society, because we all want to have the opportunity to live a good life today and in the future - regardless of how old we are right now.

Each and every one of us can do something to create a society where older people are included and treated fairly, during a time of national crisis. From checking up on neighbours and sustaining local charities to respecting others’ boundaries, we can all play a role in creating a society where everyone can feel secure and supported.

"What is happening at the moment is an event that everyone in the world can connect with and I wanted to be able to help to build connection through identification with others in a time of isolation. I have been overwhelmed at the positive responses from people and at the sense of community that I’ve seen building around the parts of East London that I’ve visited. I am also very grateful that I am getting to meet new people everyday and hear their stories. It’s keeping me busy and connected and that’s important right now."

Adam Isfendiyar, photographer

feedback

We would love to have your thoughts and feedback on this exhibition! Please get in touch with us: weh@bdi.ox.ac.uk