There’s an adage people are never too old to learn new skills and, as voting opens for the annual Golden Lens Photography Competition, senior snappers are showcasing their talents.

The competition is run by Seniors Card WA and is open to photographers aged 65 and over. According to organisers, it is designed to promote healthy ageing by celebrating the skills of older Western Australians.

Such initiatives are important considering loneliness and social isolation are an increasing problem for older Australians, according to the WA Primary Health Alliance. They report an estimated 10 to 15 per cent of older people experience depression.

Council of the Ageing WA CEO Mark Kinsela says the photography competition provides opportunities for older people to share their talents with the community.

“It helps address concerns around loneliness by connecting with the community,” he says. “It is great for ageing Australians to maintain their focus and improve mental health.”

Valerie Ireland is a 67-year-old from England, currently on a two-month stay in Perth to visit family. She took up photography after retiring five years ago, and has since become “obsessed.”

“I just love to be out with the camera,” she says. “It helps my mental health, it got me through Covid, I’ve made new friends with the same interest… it’s just absolutely brilliant.”

The retired secretary says while entering competitions can be daunting at first, it’s a worthwhile experience.

“It’s a good way of getting your photos out there, getting constructive criticism, and putting right the feedback you get,” she says.

The Golden Lens Photography Competition is now in its third consecutive year and this year has received 130 entries from 44 photographers.

It covers four different categories plus a people’s choice award, where the public is encouraged to like their favourite entry on Facebook until voting closes on May 3.

Top prizes include a lunch at Parliament House, a scenic seaplane flight, and vouchers for a host of local venues.