WRITING FOR CHILDREN
AGE ON THE PAGE
Write the older characters in your children’s stories in a way that reflects their individuality, personality and life experience, says Amy Sparkes
Ageing is a fact of life, and there are more older people living longer now than ever before. The WHO (World Health Organization) reports that globally, life expectancy has increased by more than six years between 2000 and 2019 – from 66.8 years in 2000 to 73.4 years in 2019.
But in many cultures, ageism is rife (and it isn’t only reserved for people of pensionable age!). It’s important to show children that people are valuable at every stage of their lives. This can only help community-building and nurture intergenerational relationships, both inside and outside the family setting.
Before I became a professional writer, I worked and volunteered with older people in various ways, through charity organisations, community development and health promotion, so it’s an area I feel very passionate about. How can we explore later life with young readers, helping them to develop a positive and well-rounded understanding of aging and older people? Here are some thoughts about how to involve older characters more inclusively and authentically in our stories.
Representation and identity
Many older characters in children’s fiction are grandparents. If you are featuring a grandparent character, it is worth considering their age. Not every grandparent will be 70 years old. Some people start families young and grandparents can be in their mid-40s or 50s.