But in contrast, this month it’s nice to have the opportunity to highlight an example of older people being portrayed in a more positive way on a platform with a huge global reach.
The Thursday Murder Club was released on Netflix last week, an adaptation of the best-selling debut novel by BBC presenter Richard Osman, which tells the story of a group of older true crime enthusiasts who find themselves embroiled in a murder mystery that threatens their home.
It was really refreshing to see a group of older people on screen being portrayed as smart, witty, confident and capable, a group who are really enjoying their lives, far removed from stereotypes of older people being generally frail and incompetent that are still so common in entertainment and advertising.
And while the characters do make references to growing older – the various ways this has affected them or changed their outlook, and the different life events that have shaped their lives – they are not defined by them.
For these characters, growing older is something to be celebrated rather than feared, something we should all aspire to, reflecting many conversations I’ve had with older people across Wales. There can be challenges, yes, but older age can also bring many opportunities.
It was also good to see the main characters being introduced with reference to their ‘previous’ lives, as we meet a former nurse, union leader, psychiatrist and spy.
Exploring the characters’ lives in this way is an important reminder that older people have a wealth of skills, knowledge and experience that do not simply disappear once someone reaches a certain age, despite assumptions that are often made by society.
The portrayal of someone living with dementia was also well handled, a far cry from the images of baffled distress and walls of post-it notes that are so commonly shared on screen. We’re told ‘he has his good days and his bad days’ and see moments of difficulty, but we also see someone living well with dementia, someone keen to still be part of the world and do the things that matter to them.
The media we consume shapes our views and attitudes, which is why content that shows the reality that older age can be rich, varied and full of possibilities is so important. And when these stories are shared through a platform with the reach of Netflix, it doesn’t just provide older viewers with characters they can identify with and be proud of, it also helps younger generations see ageing in a more positive light, helping people to think differently about growing older and challenging ageist stereotypes. This really matters because the way we view and treat older people today shapes the way we will all experience growing older tomorrow.
Rhian Bowen-Davies is the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales.