KENNETH SPEIRS

Pensioners got animated and shared the message that if older adults stay mobile and connected, they can live life to the full.

The # StayMobileStayConnected champions worked together to create their own artwork and used stop motion filmmaking techniques to produce four oneminute cartoons, proving you’re never too old to learn new skills.

They launched the films at Bargarran Community Centre, in Erskine, as part of the Older and Bolder event through the Scottish Government’s Fire Starter Festival.

Kathleen Herd, 75, from Paisley, loved making the animations.

“I think they’re absolutely excellent and I’m amazed at how the older people joined in and we all learned from it,” she said.

“The connection between the younger people and the older people working with us was totally amazing. I had lost some confidence.

“Working with the team has helped to rebuild my confidence.

“Everyone was so impressed.

“I hope it gets out into the public domain and people share the animations with their family and friends.

“I’m hoping that there’ll be more understanding for older people to remain active and not become dependent on other people unnecessarily.

“Age is a case of mind over matter.

“If you don’t mind it doesn’t matter. And I’m one of the younger ones.”

Nicola Hanssen, general manager for ROAR Connections for Life, which organised the event, said: “I’m delighted with how the Fire Starter event went because I think it’s been such a warm and happy experience.

“The best thing is people connected and people felt included and that was the best way to get the messages across”.