The Ethnicity and Unequal Ageing project (2022-25)* addressed the urgent need for evidence on how racialised inequalities shape experiences of ageing over the life course in Rotherham and Sheffield. Ageing in the UK is increasingly diverse, yet dominant narratives often ignore the lived realities of racially minoritised communities. This project sought to challenge that status quo.

The project worked with 80 older people from a range of racially minoritised communities in Rotherham and Sheffield, encouraging people to tell their stories of ageing in creative ways. Through animation, music, theatre, poetry, dance, photography, collage and ceramic-making, those involved explored themes such as racism, ageism, belonging, intersectionality, intergenerational connection, resilience and hope.

This series showcases the powerful creative work that emerged from those involved in the project. It includes deeply personal expressions of what it means to grow older in a society shaped by inequality, migration and change. The material included prompts us to reflect on who feels seen, valued or excluded in stories of ageing, especially in Rotherham and Sheffield. You are invited to experience the material not just as reflections of individual lives, but as a collective call for understanding inclusion through the sharing of stories.

We gratefully acknowledge the Economic and Social Research Council (Reference: ES/W012383/1) for funding this project. The views expressed in the content of this series are those who created it, and not necessarily those of the ESRC