Jasmine Knox - ON. PART TWO

Join Johanna Ryle-Howe, co-founder and creative director of Caves Collect as she talks to close friends, collaborators and inspirational people on their lives and stories.

JRH: What do you think the Australian aged care model can learn from Finland?

JK: It's all about how we think about care: in Australia we’re very focused on this biomedical approach - so people's physical health, whereas in Finland I was so impressed that they incorporated peoples social and emotional wellbeing. I would see staff sitting with residents reading the paper, or watching a film - something you don’t really see in Australia. They really understood that care is about those incidental moments, and actually spending quality time, rather than just showering and task-based care. 

JRH: How has your personal approach to and understanding of ageing changed over the course of your research?

JK: I think in the past I was quite fearful of getting older. Especially as a woman - there's a lot of negativity about ageing, with the emphasis on remaining youthful and ‘beautiful’. I think my work in aged care has made me less fearful, and actually kind of excited. Even looking back at my 20’s, I feel more empowered and more in my skin, now that I’m in my 30’s: I want to be this confident, open and free older woman - we can only get better with age, if we have the right mindset.

JRH: What are some of the characteristics that have stood out for you throughout your research - qualities that you associate with longevity and a well-lived life?

JK: First and foremost what leaps out is the people who have a really good social support network. People who areThey’re still interested and engaged in the world - who they have lots of different hobbies. But I would definitely say having your people - people you love and trust around you - is one of the key factors
when it comes to longevity and a well lived life.

Also being physically healthy is really important. But ultimately I think staying  curious keeps you young.

JRH: What about women specifically? You mentioned earlier the negativity associated with women as they age, is there a quality you have noticed in your research that's specific to women, and how they’ve overcome the stigma associated with ageing?

JK: Whenever I meet older women who are really comfortable in their skin, and there is a certain care and integrity in the way they dress, I’m always captivated. I like the idea of arming myself with beautiful things. I think though, ultimately it has to come from within - being carefree, fearless…these are
qualities that make someone very beautiful, no matter their age. Older women who are happy, elegant and sophisticated are so much more interesting to me now than younger women, probably because I’m getting older myself so I’m looking for role models. I see younger women now and I really feel for them - being subjected to these insane beauty standards, having to please everyone. I’m looking forward to an age where you don't fit into that box.

JRH: You do a lot of public speaking in your line of work, lots of panel discussions and presentations. Can you talk to us about clothing and its relationship to your work?

JK: When I have a presentation coming up, I want to look schmick….so I feel confident. I want to feel like myself, most importantly.

Caves are my go-to. I actually wear what I wear in everyday life, but just elevate it
a bit, with a blazer or a shirt. And Caves pants are my staple. I try to avoid spending my money on clothes I’m only going to wear once or twice a year. I want to spend money on clothes I know I'm going to get the
most out of, and be comfortable in for years to come.

JRH: Can you talk a bit about what finding your people has been like?

JK: So my research is about social connections, because that is something that is very dear to my heart. I know the value of what it means to find your people. The ones you connect with, who know you, who you don't have to be anybody else around, it's just easy.
It took me a while to find this core group of people but when I did - they’re the joy of my life. My friendships make me feel like a rich woman. I’ve definitely had some really hard times, and I know the value of having friends who love you (and who you love).

JRH: Something that has always inspired me about you…is how small your wardrobe is! You seem very considered and thoughtful in your approach to building a wardrobe, can you talk to us about your approach?

JK: I’m quite a frugal person. I’ll spend the money if I really love something. I actually imagine myself as an older woman and think - am I going to want to wear this when I’m older?! I prefer to spend more money on less than spending a lot on fast fashion. Each thing that I invest in I have to love it, and it has to have
longevity. Otherwise I won't buy it. I also find that owning too many clothes is overwhelming. Life feels a little less stressful if you have fewer options. Basically I want to love everything that I own, and that means having less. It's expensive to have things that are of quality.