SEATTLE — While progress is being made on shifting negative perspectives around aging, many of the experiences of elders are becoming lost. That’s why the “Hello Auntie, Hello Uncle” exhibit at the Wing Luke Museum is illuminating the lives and contributions of elders in AANHPI communities. The exhibit, sponsored by AARP, also explores the roles they fill and celebrates their achievements.
“I am here because we love to celebrate aging and to lift up those voices and those stories and to pass them on to other generations," said Marguerite Ro, AARP Washington state director.
The “Hello Auntie, Hello Uncle: Conversations with Our Elders” exhibit was designed with the help of a Community Advisory Committee (CAC). On the committee, a museum exhibit director guides select members of a community to co-develop and design an exhibit, from exploring what the exhibit's focus will be to the specific elements addressed in the exhibit.
“The purpose of CAC is just to brainstorm ideas and to develop the messages and themes to shape the story line,” said Maliha Masood of Wing Luke Museum.
This is a collaborative way to develop an exhibition and get stories and input directly from the community.
“We wanted to put a more positive spin on aging, turn around some of the stereotypes and really just honor a lot of the community members we were featuring and make it very progressive,” Masood said.
“Hello Auntie, Hello Uncle” helps visitors develop a new interpretation of elders – to focus on their value, wisdom and contributions.
“I’m hoping that when visitors come to see the exhibit, they will start to maybe shift their thinking and their perceptions about aging as a process,” Masood said. “Getting old is not something we have to fear or dread. We’re all aging every minute of our lives, and it doesn’t have to be the end of living.”
AARP got involved with this exhibit to show that aging should be celebrated, and older adults continue to make powerful contributions.
“That’s an essential part of what we do is break down the stereotypes and ageism that exists,” Ro said.
“Hello Auntie, Hello Uncle: Conversations with Our Elders” runs through February 23, 2025, at the Wing Luke Museum, 719 South King Street. Visit wingluke.org for more details.
Sponsored by AARP
Segment Producer Suzie Wiley. Watch New Day Northwest at 11 a.m. weekdays on KING 5 and streaming live on KING5.com. Contact New Day.