We were approached by Dr Daisy Powell, a researcher at Kings College London to make a thought-provoking film about ageing, to support an ongoing project led by SAACY (The Sciences of Ageing and the Culture of Youth).

The final piece, exhibited at Science Gallery London in summer 2025 is defined by a series of diary-room style interviews with researchers, campaigners & volunteers questioning what ageing means in society today.

Their answers are charming, insightful, ponderous and beautiful. Using photography from the Centre for Ageing Better and bespoke illustrations we bring the study to life.

We aim not to present ‘the answers to life itself’ but instead spark a conversation.

What does ageing mean to you?

“AGEISM IS the most common form of discrimination in this country, But it's not something that gets talked about a great deal.”
– Harriet BAILISS, Co-Head of Ageism Campaign, Centre for Ageing

“Ageing is something you do fromthe moment you're born. This is a journey we're all on. It's a privilege to get older. It's a privilege to say I've had another birthday, I am here.”
– HANNAH KAYI MASON, CEO, IN COMMON

In order of appearance:
Dr Martina Zimmermann – Reader in Health Humanities and Health Sciences and Principal Investigator for SAACY, King's College London
Thelma Brown – Volunteer, Brixton Windmill
Nicholas George – Older Neighbour, InCommon
Michaela Tranfield – Programme Manager, InCommon
Hannah Kayi Mason – CEO, InCommon
Dr Dayne Beccano-Kelly – Research Fellow, UK Dementia Research Institute, Cardiff University
Dr Justin Christensen – Research Associate, Music, University of Sheffield
Grace Adjoa Richardson – Volunteer, Brixton Windmill
Harriet Bailiss – Co-Head of Ageism Campaign, Centre for Ageing Better
Dr Lis Boulton – Health & Care Policy Manager, Age UK

With special thanks to:
King's College London
Centre for the Humanities and Health
Faculty of Arts and Humanities
Department of English
SAACY project partners
Centre for Ageing Better

This work was supported by a UK Research and Innovation Future Leaders Fellowship [MR/T019794/1]

Clients: SAACY (The Sciences of Ageing and the Culture of Youth), Kings College London
Exhibition Venue: Science Gallery London

A Reuben & Co Production
Co-produced with Dr Daisy Powell, Impact and Public Engagement Officer, SAACY

Director: Reuben Armstrong
DP: Benson Neilan
Sound Recordist: Jamie Frye
Editors: Reuben Armstrong & Jim Burke
Illustrator: Camille Aubry
Animator: Paddy Wright
Music: Giants and Pilgrims
Sound Design & Mix: Jamie Frye

Filmed at Lambeth Town Assembly Hall

Exhibition at Science Gallery London
Curated by Laura Purseglove
Exhibition photography by George Torode