Ahead of the International Day of Older Persons, Citizens Association "Strength of Friendship" - Amity, Photo Association of Serbia and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) on 30th of September, 2022, opened a photo exhibition "Beauty of Aging 2" at Parobrod Gallery, Belgrade.

In our society, there are a large number of prejudices and myths about older age that contribute to the creation of a negative image. This stands in the way of healthy aging and makes it difficult for the older people to use their existing potential, lead a responsible, independent life, and also affects the relationships with older people. A negative image can lead to discrimination and marginalization of older people. It is necessary to nourish a positive attitude towards older people and encourage mutual appreciation and respect, which will have a positive impact on their quality of life, but also on the proper psychosocial development of children and young people.

With this photo exhibition, we want to dispel at least some of the prejudices and myths and to convey that older age is one of the normal developmental stages in an individual's life, but with a different arrangement of priorities, goals and opportunities compared to younger age.

Borka Jeremić, Head of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Office in Serbia, reminded that the increased share of older people is, among other things, a consequence of healthier and longer lives. "We must be aware of the contribution of older persons in our society through invaluable resources such as knowledge, skills and experience. With initiatives like this one, we create new narratives and break stereotypes about aging in Serbia", said Jeremić.

Nadežda Satarić, president of the Amity association, reminded of the contributions that older persons make to the family and society and thereby contribute to sustainable development, and pointed out the necessity of improving the protection of their human rights.

Miroslav Predojević, secretary of the Photo Association of Serbia, emphasized that the authors of the exhibited photos gave us a personal experience of the reality related to older people and their interests. So we too can look forward to the BEAUTY OF AGING, which everyone present here would like to experience themselves. It is an "ordinary person" who is not pulled out of a situation, but the author of the photograph follows them  in the moment, which is their current reality.

471 photos from 94 authors were submitted to the Competition for the best photo created in Serbia on the topic "Beauty of Ageing", which was announced in August 2022, from which the jury selected 75 works from 44 authors for this exhibition. 

The "Beauty of Ageing 2" exhibition will be open to visitors until Friday, October 14, 2022, weekdays and Saturdays from 10 am to 10 pm.