ICONIC album covers are being recreated by Dorset pensioners to challenge the stereotypes of ageing.

Five older people in the county staged their own takes on cover images from albums by the likes of Blink 182, David Bowie and Adele.

The photos, by amateur photographer and health and social care lead for Christchurch Primary Care Network, Louise Ahrens, have been created as part of a campaign organised in a partnership between Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council and the Age Friendly Communities Network in the county.

Among those featured in the campaign, which marks the United Nations International Day of Older People on October 1, is nurse Anne Blendell, 82, who donned blue latex gloves and a nurse’s hat to recreate the cover of Blink-182’s seminal Enema of the State album from 1999.

Anne Blendell, 82, as the sexy nurse from Blink-182’s Enema of the State. Picture: Louise Ahrens/BCP Council

Louise, who is also an Age Friendly Ambassador, even snapped her own father, Keith Martin, 83, as David Bowie, from the Aladdin Sane album.

Other residents featuring – and the albums they have recreated – are:
Teresa Clarke, 76: Adele 19
Maureen Capper, 80: Madonna
Pat Shepherd, 85: Taylor Swift

The photos will go on display at venues across the BCP area this month, including at libraries, the Hengistbury Head Visitors Centre, Kinson Community Centre and the Access Wellbeing Hub in The Dolphin Centre, Poole.

Louise’s father, Keith Martin, 83, as David Bowe from the Aladdin Sane album. Picture: Louise Ahrens/BCP Council

Cllr Sandra Moore, portfolio holder for communities and partnerships at the council, said: “It is so important we celebrate the integral role older people play in our communities and neighbourhoods; as workers, carers, volunteers, activists and community connectors. Often, these vital contributions are overlooked or limited by ageism and other societal and physical barriers.

“The vintage idols display not only challenges some of the stereotypes of older people, but propels our senior population into the spotlight.

“My thanks go to our vintage idols for their support, Louise Ahren for her stunning photography, and to the Christchurch Community Partnership who helped find willing volunteers to have their photos taken for this project.”

Pat Shepherd, 85, as Taylor Swift on the cover of her album, 1989. Picture: Louise Ahrens/BCP Council

Kelly Deane, director of housing and communities, added: “There is a lot of great work happening across the BCP area to improve the lives of older residents, and the council is committed to making our community a better place to live in.

“This year the World Health Organisation accepted Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole into their Global Network of Age Friendly Cities and Communities. This means that alongside gaining and sharing best practice locally and nationally, we can now be part of the international network.”

Teresa Clarke, 76, as Adele on the cover of her album, 19. Picture: Louise Ahrens/BCP Council