A new temporary exhibition entitled “Is It Easy to Be Old?” will open at the University of Tartu Museum on 30 April. The exhibition raises the question of whether it is easy to grow old in a society facing rapid population ageing.
Our lives follow the rhythm of the years, and so we perceive the passage of time quite naturally. Yet we are often surprised when we cross the threshold we have long associated with “old age,” as growing older leads us to reinterpret what it really means to be old. The social norms we learn and the attitudes we develop throughout our lives also shape how we perceive the people around us.
According to population forecasts by Statistics Estonia, the working-age population is shrinking, and by 2035, every fourth person in Estonia will be at least 65 years old. This places increasing pressure on the economy, as healthcare and social systems, which older age groups are also most often dependent upon, require more resources. How older individuals experience this situation depends on how we, as a society, value people of different ages, whether we continue to include them in decision-making processes, and whether we support their continued participation in the labour market.
“The idea for this exhibition developed from the thought that if ageing is a natural stage of life, does our society truly take this into account, or is ageing rather seen as a problem? We wanted to explore whether our current attitudes and actions should change. Or, if we do not take any action, what lies ahead?” said the curators.
The exhibition invites visitors to reflect on what we mean when we talk about growing old. What are the problem areas within an ageing society that need to be addressed? Is ageing truly a problem for society, or is this rather a matter of perspective? How can we ensure that ageing doesn’t make people seem all the same to us, but is instead understood as a set of deeply diverse experiences?
At the same time, ageing is also a deeply personal topic, perhaps even intimate. The exhibition therefore also addresses issues such as shrinking space and the emergence of loneliness, as well as our relationship with the ageing body, and how this affects sexuality.
In preparing the exhibition, the curators collaborated with representatives of the target group and researchers from various fields. One part of the exhibition presents an ethnological perspective by researcher Rebeka Põldsam, offering insights into the future visions of middle-aged and older LGBTQ people in Estonia.
Exhibition Team
Curators Karoliina Kalda, Birgit Landberg, Külli Lupkin, Terje Lõbu
Creative Team Birgit Landberg, Illimar Vihmar, Marta Pulk, Sander Põllu, Mattias Veermets
Poems Mari-Liis Müürsepp
Exhibition contributors Rona Luug, Agnes Põder, Rebeka Põldsam, Liisa Tagel
Production Kolimisveod OÜ, Tanel Nõmmik, Ahto Palmre, Reklaamikompanii, Remondikompanii OÜ, Kristiina Ribelus, Salibar OÜ
Text editing and translations Anu Lepp, Marie Põdra, Robert B. Davis
Interviewees Sirje Mälton, Elvi Nassar, Ülo Neider, Endel Paap, Lehti Perandi, Olev Sokk
Communication and marketing Maria Kullamägi, Elo Vilks
Programme Kadri Kaljurand-Lipp
Souvenires Eva Lepik
Project managers Karoliina Kalda, Külli Lupkin
We thank: Jaak Aru, Ruth Kalda, Eneli Kindsiko, Merle Lepaste, Merle Linno, Piret Paal, Siim Angerpikk, Britta Johanna Annom and Police and Border Guard Board, Antsla Tervisekeskus, Estonian National Museum, Mall Eltermaa, Kairi-Kristiine Haller, Ken Ird, Aime-Laine Kahk, Anti Kalda, Kaja ja Rein Kaukver, Ines Kerikmäe ja Eluringikeskus, Järvamaa Museum, Maria Laanjärv and the Gender Equality and Equal Treatment Comissioner’s Office, Linda Kaljurand, Lembe Kullamaa, Virge Lell, Linda Rahvamaja, Reet Loderaud, Kristi Lupkina, Merike Merirand ja Pihlakodu, Martha-Liis Muttika, Ülle Naur, Nõmme Library, Ilona Piirimägi, Ene Poll, Liina Pärnamäe, Malle Rehkli, Rural Curiosity Centre, Ingrid Sahk, Anne Saia, Piret Salmistu, Kadri Tamberg Lipping, Erkki Targo, Kaarel Targo, Tartu Applied Health Sciences University, Maris Tuuling.
Supported by the City of Tartu, Cultural Endowment of Estonia.
The exhibition will stay open until 30 April 2027. Ticket information and opening hours for the museum can be found HERE. Entrance is free for students and employees of the University of Tartu.
