Ever since classic pioneers such as Mead (1995 [1975]: 3-10) pushed for the use of technologies like photography or film in their science, anthropology has continuously incorporated media toward the collection of human data and its memory. In fact, through theoretical debates on such themes as media, science, and purposeful practice; the preservation of raw data; editing and reflexivity; or pictures as recollection and narratives, the field itself has made advances in the implementation (even implication) of media tools not only for itself and its audiences, but also for its participants. The goal of this proposed session will be to examine how the cross-sections of media, art, and anthropology capture, represent, and work with an often categorized “vulnerable” group – the elderly – in order to establish traces of science as well as legacies of collaboration. Focusing on newer paths to the field known as “anthropology of the aging,” this interdisciplinary session will approach research and methodology with a two-fold objective. Following Sokolovsky’s examination of “New Life Course Research in Anthropology” (2009:5,8), the session hopes to add to the field by first looking at how technologies, such as photography or video, are currently being used as methodological tools with (and including) a particular age set. Secondly it aims to continue the field’s exploration of how this age set moves from being elderly “subjects” to becoming collaborators through research involving media and scientific approaches together. Ultimately, it is hoped that the session’s discussion and debate will lead to new footprints on how the anthropology of the elderly is today becoming an anthropological practice of turning the tide toward working *with* the elderly.

Envisioned as approximately an hour and 45 minute session, this panel will be comprised of presenters and papers dealing with the elderly, the intersections of interdisciplinary work, media tools, and collaboration. Two years ago, the November 2009 issue of Anthropology News focused on several recommendations and projects that incorporated and opened paths for active elderly engagement in scientific research while adding to participants’ lives, such as with Prendergast et al. and the “Global Aging Experience Project” (2009:9-10). As this year’s AAA conference in Montreal will be about “Traces, Tidemarks, and Legacies,” this session also wishes to see what legacies are in formation from such recommendations and add to repertoires.

Please send short paper abstracts of no more than 250 words to session organizers Lisa Le Fevre and Brian O’Hare at (lml2139@columbia.edu) by April 5, 2011 if you wish to participate in the proposed session. Feel free to contact us with any questions or comments.

List of References in Text:

Mead, Margaret
1995 [1975] “Visual Anthropology in A Discipline of Words” * In.* Paul Hockings (ed) Principles of Visual Anthropology (Second Edition), Pp.3-10. Berlin: Walter de Gruyter & Co.

Prendergast, David et al.
2009 “Technology and Independent Living The Global Aging Experience Project." Anthropology News. *Vol. 50, No. 8 (November). Pp.9-10. Published by the American Anthropological Association.

Sokolovsky, Jay
2009 “Aging, Center Stage New Life Courses in Anthropology.” Anthropology News. Vol. 50, No.8 (November). Pp.5,8. Published by the American Anthropological Association.