"Age in Focus" Voting Form

The Alzheimer Society Waterloo Wellington is pleased to present our
“Age in Focus” visual storytelling event.

We asked people to submit photos on the subject of the journey of aging, in whatever way that means to them - and to capture it as literally or abstractly as they liked.

Please check the circle in the top left corner of your favourite photo, and press submit to vote!

Winning photos with the most votes will go on special display at the Homer Watson Home and Gallery.

Name (Optional)

First NameLast Name

Email (For Results)

example@example.com

Please click on photo to see a larger image.

Deb FDogs develop strong bonds with their masters and pick up on changes in a person’s mood or stress levels. They are attentive to our health and offer the comfort that we need and deserve, as we live our journey. K.C. Flynn and loyal companion Bailey

$ Free

Emma LBefore the snow fell in early January I took this photo of an old stone arch at Bissel Park in Elora. As far as I know this has been here for decades and goes untouched, being absorbed by the nature around it. I think as we get older we begin to absorb traits and behaviors from the people around us and build beautiful connections that we carry through life. This photo represents the lessons, connections and traits we absorb as we age and grow older while using nature as the focus.

$ Free

Marlene WHolding my mom's hand connected me to her love in ways words and actions no longer could. Though dementia took so much, it couldn't diminish the warmth of her touch or the profound comfort we shared in those quiet moments. Human contact became our language—expressing love, preserving dignity, and providing mutual contentment that this cruel disease could never destroy. This picture captures a truth that transcends memory: the depth of our love for each other, spoken through the simple, powerful act of holding hands.

$ Free

Jeff MMedusa turned onlookers to stone, preserving them forever in a moment of time. To me, aging is similar. It's a collection of stories etched into our being, each one worth keeping. Alzheimer’s threatens to erode those stories, turning vibrant lives into shadows. But awareness and care can defy that fate. Age is not a curse; it is a masterpiece of resilience and wisdom. Preserving these memories is how we honor the beauty of a life fully lived.

$ Free

Jennifer DFriendship. My father (94) found comfort in the friendship of a tiny creature.

$ Free

Kathy SI met this man in 2017 when I was in Munich conducting research for for a children’s book set in post-war Germany. As a journalist, he’d written a lot about the era and was was keen to help me out. I spoke no German and he spoke little English. (He has since died.)

$ Free

Kathy SPeter at 89 has serious mobility issues. Last summer he went to the family cottage, which sits high up a hill from the water, knowing he might be confined to the house and its verandah, since he’d been needing a walker to get around since the previous December. However, using his cane, he made it down the many stairs to the dock for a swim many times during his two weeks there. His family cheered his determination not to let pain dictate what he could and could not do.

$ Free

Giovanni DAge In Focus is a journey of growing old. This bridge will most likely live long after we have passed but it also will age.

$ Free

Diane GOver 60 years of FRIENDSHIPS and still still lots more to share. Life is a beautiful gift.

$ Free

Merri-Lee MOne of the richest blessings in this journey of life is intergenerational connectedness. Those of us who age with kindness and compassion earn the love, respect and admiration of the ones who follow in our footsteps. The open adoration of this little girl for her Great Grandma is well-deserved, and unsurprising to those of us who are lucky enough to have been a part of this wonderful woman's life.

$ Free

Rylee EBanff National Park, Alberta. I chose to focus on the simplicity and pureness of the snow rather than the mountains in the background. For this photo, I didn't want to overlook the beauty of what most people take for granted when in the face of something so ancient and regal.

$ Free

Sheng YaoUptown Waterloo. The truth of life is that every human is so lonely and powerless in the flow of time.

$ Free

Trinity VillageMelvin R., one of our cherished residents who celebrated 100 years in 2025, spent a lifetime capturing life through his camera. A former photographer for The Record, he documented important moments in our community. His story shows that aging is not just about years, but about experiences, memories, and stories lived.

$ Free

Heather MThis is my mom who has a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. She is on her way to an awards gala for her years of volunteering. We have found that maintaining dignity and engagement with others has helped her thrive despite her illness. You can see it in her smile.

$ Free

Susan FMy 94 year old mom attends a weekly exercise class at the Waterloo Adult Rec Center.On a beautiful warm fall day in October of 2024 the exercise class was held outside. She was given a lovely hat to protect her complexion from the sun. Peek-a-boo!

$ Free

Sheng YLighthouse Park, Vancouver. Past certain stage, ageing quickly reveals the heaviness of life.

$ Free

Janice HSpending time with your grandchildren enriches both lives. It helps to keep grandparents active in their old age. Reading to grandchildren is just one of those ways that is beneficial to everyone. Both enjoy this closeness that you get with this special time. And it also helps to make a grandparent feel useful.

$ Free

Dolores SLate-stage Alzheimer's ravages an individual's capacity to function in daily activities, but we cannot assume that the core of the individual has disappeared. Although driven to anger and frustration at times. Josefa Smith is shown at age 100 signaling the importance of touch and physical connection. Calm, she experiences comfort while resting her hand on her beloved son-in-law. A signal to remind us that no matter what level of frustration or anger individuals are driven to exhibit at any time they still need compassion and understanding from those they love and feel comfortable with. (RIP March 12, 2025 several months short of age 101)

$ Free