More to Me: Why Whiddon is Challenging the Way Australia Sees Ageing

At Whiddon, we see the extraordinary lives of older Australians every single day. We see the history, the courage, the resilience and the romance that lives within our residential care homes.

We also know that society often struggles to see past the number of years a person has lived. That is why we are thrilled to officially launch our new campaign, More to Me.

This initiative sets the record straight. It challenges the stereotypes that suggest getting older is synonymous with decline. Instead, we are shining a light on the vibrant, multifaceted individuals who call Whiddon home.

Why We Launched ‘More to Me’

Research by the Australian Human Rights Commission confirms that ageism remains a significant challenge in Australia. The reality is stark. Reports show that 90% of adults agree that ageism exists, yet it often goes unchallenged. Even more concerning is that 63% of older Australians have personally experienced ageism in the past five years.

Too often, older people feel patronised or overlooked, with their rich personal histories ignored.

The More to Me campaign addresses this gap directly. It provides a simple but powerful request: If you see age, you miss the person. Look again.

Through this campaign, we are sharing the untold stories of four residents from across our homes:

• Bill Kerr from Mudgee: A former detective who spent his career protecting royalty.
• Holly Hart from Largs: A dedicated mother and community pillar whose kitchen table was the heart of the neighbourhood.
• Ros Stanford from Narrabri: A teacher who shaped generations of young minds in her country town.
• Sam Darke from Grafton: A RAAF veteran with a surprising connection to Australia’s nuclear testing history.

These stories remind us that the people in our care are teachers, protectors, creators and pioneers who have shaped the world we live in today.

A Message from our CEO

Our CEO, Chris Mamarelis, believes that storytelling is the most powerful tool we have to bridge the gap between generations and build respect:

“Too often, society sees aged care residents through the lens of decline rather than recognising the incredible lives they’ve lived, and continue to live”
In aged care, looking beyond age and recognising the person is fundamental. That belief sits at the heart of ‘More to Me’, a campaign that challenges assumptions and celebrates the lives, stories, and individuality of older Australians.”

“…When we look beyond age and understand who someone is, we see people flourish, grow and thrive. Isn’t that a basic human right, and what every person deserves at this stage of life?…”

Discover the Stories Behind the Faces

We invite you to look closer. Take the time to watch these videos and discover the incredible lives that continue to unfold within our homes.

By listening to these stories, we hope to foster a deeper understanding of the immense value our older loved ones bring to our communities. There is always more to the story, and there is always more to them.

Watch the trailer below and explore the ‘More to Me’ campaign for the full stories.