Telling Life's Journeys

Revera’s Age Is More program was created to shine a light on the meaningful contributions of older adults in society. Through original research and creative collaborations, Revera demonstrates the fulfilling lives seniors lead throughout their later years and break down the stereotypes of older adults.

Revera believes our residents all have a story to tell. They have lived lives full of meaningful events, celebrations, accomplishments, and overcome a wide variety of challenges. Through their life’s journeys, the ups and downs, twists and turns, they have acquired great insight and experience, which we are privileged to learn from them. In our latest collaboration with the creative team at Reel Youth, we set out to share some of our residents’ journeys with young filmmakers and are proud to share them with the world.

The Revera and Reel Youth Age Is More Film Project began in 2013 as an opportunity to bring younger and older people together to build intergenerational friendships. Reel Youth recruits and teaches young people the technical skills needed to produce their own short film and each young person is partnered with a Revera resident to be the subject of their film. For this latest collaboration, youth teamed up with residents from Parkwood Manor in Coquitlam, BC, Hollyburn House in West Vancouver, and The Wellington in Winnipeg.

The COVID-19 pandemic has created incredible challenges in our daily lives, but thanks to technology we were able to find ways to continue the meaningful connections that the Age Is More Film Project creates. Before the pandemic, these projects would take place in-person at our residences, but due to health restrictions and physical distancing we redesigned the program to be completely virtual. The young filmmakers and our residents met over Zoom video chats and filmed their videos over the internet.

Over several weeks of getting to know each other, the youth and film stars worked to tell their personal stories of the moments that formed them into the people they are today. The residents looked back at the many moments in their lives and shared family videos and pictures to help tell their story. They also became their own camera operators as they used their iPads to record themselves and their surroundings. In the end, nine short films were created telling our residents’ stories. 

Watch the premiere of the Age Is More Film Project: Life’s Journeys