Winners chosen for their artistic and dignified portraits of older adults
For its 2020 Age+Action Virtual Conference, the National Council on Aging (NCOA) invited photographers and artists from around the country to submit work exploring the artistic expression of Aging Well for All—how older adults are making the most of their longevity.
“The winning entries beautifully showcase the richness of aging well in America,” said Ken Bracht, NCOA chief marketing and business development officer. “The judges were amazed by the quality of all submissions—totaling more than 1,000 images—from both award-winning professionals and self-taught photographers.”
The winning photographs and artists were announced at NCOA’s 2020 Age+Action Virtual Conference, June 8-11, the first national gathering of aging services professionals in the COVID-19 era. The four-day online event featured more than 150 speakers and 100+ sessions designed to help community-based organizations better serve older adults.
Second Place was awarded to Grandma Quality Time from Michael Paras of Maplewood, NJ. It’s a Norman Rockwell scene of a wide-eyed toddler and her grandmother enjoying a chocolate shake and one other.First Place went to A Loving Touch, submitted by Allan Mestel of Longboat Key, FL. The black-and-white photo features an older interracial couple in an intimate moment. “The judges chose this photo because of its artistry, poignancy, sensitivity, and dignity,” Bracht said.
“I’m stunned I won first place,” says Mestel.
The Merit and Honorable Mention awards include photos of older adults of all races and backgrounds. You can view the complete NCOA online gallery of all selected photographs and artists at http://ncoagallery.org/link/AgingWellforAll.
The National Council on Aging (NCOA) is a trusted national leader working to ensure that every person can age well. Since 1950, its mission has not changed: Improve the lives of millions of older adults, especially those who are struggling. NCOA empowers people with the best solutions to improve their own health and economic security—and we strengthen government programs that we all depend on as we age. Learn more at ncoa.org.