Key Takeaways

  • Winners of NCOA's fourth annual photo contest, which this year focused on women, "are a beautiful reminder of how they make our lives and communities richer.”

  • The photo contest features distinguished photographers and artists from across the country who documented older women engaged in work, art, family, community, and everyday life.

  • The public is invited to view the complete NCOA Gallery of all selected photographs and artists, and visit a virtual exhibition for a more immersive experience.

 

Art contest showcases how women overcome barriers to age well

Contact
Simona Combi
Public Relations Manager
571-527-3982
simona.combi@ncoa.org

Arlington, Virginia (June 29, 2023)—The National Council on Aging (NCOA), the national voice for every person’s right to age well, has selected the winners of its fourth annual photo contest, which this year focused on the strength and wisdom of women.

“Women’s path to aging well is often sidelined by lower pay and caregiving responsibilities during their working years,” said Ramsey Alwin, NCOA President and CEO. “We know that, as women age, their level of poverty increases.

We’re working to ensure every older woman can age with dignity. These photos are a beautiful reminder of how they make our lives and communities richer.”

A recent survey by NCOA and the Women’s Institute for a Secure Retirement (WISER) found that most women are “worried” and “uncertain” when thinking about retirement, and a third of low-income women are “terrified.” Yet, 90% or more of women across demographic and party lines said they strongly support federal policies that would increase their financial security.

The photo contest features distinguished photographers and artists from across the country who documented older women engaged in work, art, family, community, and everyday life.

First Place went to In Her Garden by Kevin Rose Schultz. Schultz said the subject of his photo is “taught art in the public schools for over 20 years and inspired students with her ceramics, paintings, and drawings. At 90 years old, [she] continues to support the arts in our community.”

woman in garden
In Her Garden © Kevin Rose Schultz

Second Place was awarded to Flower Seller by Leslie Cieplechowicz. The artist said she was inspired by the subject’s “fortitude to come every morning at the crack of dawn to sell. She is like so many older women, still working to support themselves and their families, retirement but a fleeting notion.”​

woman with flowers
Flower Seller © Leslie Cieplechowicz

The Invited Juror Choice Award went to Julia Montrond 90-Years Old by Nancy Rubin. Rubin photographed older adults staying physically fit. “From pickleball to tai chi, yoga to lawn bowling, these old people put to rest the stereotype of grandma in her rocker watching TV.” ​

woman dancing
Julia Montrond 90-Years Old © Nancy Rubin

The public is invited to view the complete NCOA Gallery of all selected photographs and artists, and visit a virtual exhibition for a more immersive experience. NCOA also will be releasing regular posts on Instagram, highlighting the winners and invited participants. Follow us on Instagram to learn more.

About NCOA

The National Council on Aging (NCOA) is the national voice for every person’s right to age well. We believe that how we age should not be determined by gender, color, sexuality, income, or ZIP code. Working with thousands of national and local partners, we provide resources, tools, best practices, and advocacy to ensure every person can age with health and financial security. Founded in 1950, we are the oldest national organization focused on older adults. Learn more by following us at @NCOAging.