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Photographer Spends Two Years Pretending to be an Elderly Woman: Here's What She Learned

on Friday, May 29, 2015

Not many people would intentionally make themselves look older, but this is exactly what photographer Kyoko Hamada, 42, has done to learn what life will feel like when she's an elderly woman.

Hamada, who lives in New York City, was inspired after volunteering to make house visits to lonely seniors. 

"I have always been drawn to elders. I often sense an otherworldly air from them as though they are still living in another time. These are the kind of elders that I wonder what their life is like, that I want to talk to, or follow them to their home," Hamada said. 

With the help of a grey wig, a new wardrobe and some heavy make-up, Hamada created her alter ago, Kikuchiyo-san. 

Hamada explains that walking the streets of New York as an elderly woman created some interesting experiences. 

"Sometime people would open doors for me of help me carry heavy bags. A Japanese man once bowed to me [in a traditional cultural show of respect for elders]," she said. 

There was one thing however, that stood out the most for her. 

"No one seemed to care, or even notice me. It's already to very easy to feel ignored in a busy city, but as Kikuchiyo-san, I sometimes felt totally invisible," she said.  

"Each stage of our life is a temporary experience," Hamada says. "There are different kinds of beauty in different periods of our lives. Beauty in a 5-year-old child, a 25-year-old, a 45- or 75-year-old woman is all different." 

Have a look at some of Kyoko Hamada's photos below:  

Hamadas' experiences further highlight the issue of loneliness in older people.  Whatever the cause, feeling lonely can lead to depression and a serious decline in physical health and well-being.  

If you or someone you know is feeling lonely or isolated, you could try one or more of the following: 

  • Think about what you would like more of - perhaps to spend more quality time with family or friends
  • Look after yourself by eating well, getting plenty of sleep and exercising 
  • Share your skills or time with others by volunteering with local organisations
  • Join in local activities such as singing groups, walking clubs, painting classes or book club 
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