Elderly reconnect with their youth by revisiting Bollywood's golden age

Elderly people have been reconnecting with their memories via the golden age of Bollywood cinema.

Volunteer-run Screen Memories has teamed up with Age Scotland to reach new audiences.

It has historically worked with groups of people living with dementia and their carers, as well as those looking to share their keen interest in cinema, to create a stimulating and engaging group environment.

Rohini Sharma Joshi, Age Scotland’s diversity and inclusion manager, said: “Through our Scottish Ethnic Minority Older People Forum, we are always keen to develop partnerships that are inclusive to and support the wellbeing of ethnic minority older people’s groups across Scotland. Screen Memories was a perfect fit and we’re delighted to collaborate on this exciting new project.

“For many ethnic minority older people, Bollywood was and remains a huge part of their lives – especially as there is now the option to watch both older and newer movies on streaming services and specialist TV channels.

“By focusing on Bollywood movies from the 50s, 60s and 70s, we hope this project will offer people the chance to connect with others and reminisce about their memories attached to particular films and the iconic songs and dances they feature.”

One such event was held in Glasgow’s Maryhill last week – an opportunity for elderly people to get out of the house and socialise over a cup of tea.

Michael White from Screen Memories Trustee said: “When you play a particular track from a film, they will join in and sing every verse word-perfect. It’s very emotional to see that reaction. I really wish I knew which part of the brain was being stimulated, and if you had a magic wand, you’d want to capture that.

“We have been conscious for some time that our charity’s work to date has been focussed on film experiences in the English language, mainly from British and American cinema.

“Our aim is to extend film reminiscence to other audiences, and we were delighted when Rohini agreed to develop Bollywood cinema as part of this exciting new partnership”.