A picture is worth a thousand words, but photos do more than just “speak”—they spark emotions and send strong messages.
For its 2020 Age+Action Virtual Conference, the National Council on Aging (NCOA), an Arlington-based nonprofit that helps people aged 60 and up meet the challenges of aging, invited photographers and artists from around the nation to submit work that expressed the phrase, and title of the exhibit, Aging Well for All, showcasing how older adults are making the most of their longevity.
The winning photographs were recently announced at NCOA’s conference held earlier this month, the first national, virtual gathering of aging services professionals in the COVID-19 era. The four-day event featured 150-plus speakers and 100-plus sessions to help community-based organizations better serve older adults.
The photograph that took home first place was “A Loving Touch,” submitted by Allan Mestel. The black-and-white photo showcases an older, interracial couple sharing an intimate moment. “The judges chose this photo because of its artistry, poignancy, sensitivity and dignity,” said Ken Bracht, NCOA’s chief marketing and business development officer, in a recent press release.
Second place was awarded to Michael Paras’ “Grandma Quality Time,” featuring a toddler and her grandmother enjoying a chocolate milkshake together.
To view the complete NCOA online gallery of all selected photographs in the Aging Well for All exhibit, visit ncoagallery.org/link/agingwellforall.
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