Episode 1
Rose gets off to a rocky start. Many of her old-timers haven鈥檛 set foot in a classroom in 50 years. But she finds a way to their hearts through bingo and karaoke 鈥� with a twist!
Rose Ayling-Ellis arrives at Hughenden Gardens Retirement Village on a bold and heartfelt mission 鈥� to teach British Sign Language (BSL) to a group of retirees in just six weeks. Her goal is to explore whether BSL can enhance their quality of life, deepen connections and combat the isolation that often comes with hearing loss.
The students 鈥� some well into their nineties 鈥� embrace the challenge with enthusiasm, despite the hurdles of learning a new language at a later stage of life. To support their journey, Rose enlists the help of her friend, charismatic teacher Marios Costi. As the lessons progress, the group begin to share their life stories in an entirely new way.
For 92-year-old Eric, the experience extends beyond the classroom as he starts teaching his great-grandchildren some signs. His daughter observes that the classes are 鈥榯aking ten years off him鈥�. Meanwhile, Sue, who is losing her sight, expresses frustration with the word 'disabled', struggling with being seen as different. Rose hopes to shift perspectives, so she takes the group to one of her favourite places 鈥� the Jewish Deaf Association in London. Here, the residents witness a vibrant, thriving deaf community that challenges their preconceptions. Sue has a powerful breakthrough when she meets Michael, a deafblind man whose radiant positivity changes her outlook on life.
As the group immerse themselves in the world of BSL, they embark on a journey that is not just about learning a language but about discovering new ways to connect, communicate and embrace life with renewed confidence and joy.
The episode鈥檚 finale is a signing karaoke night in celebration of the residents鈥� progress. Keith wows the room, Eric serenades June with a love song, and Pam gets the whole room sign-singing along!
Last on
More episodes
Previous
You are at the first episode
Next
See all episodes from Rose Ayling-Ellis: Old Hands, New Tricks
Clips
-
Rose Ayling-Ellis: Old Hands, New Tricks Trailer (short)
Duration: 00:06
-
Rose Ayling-Ellis: Old Hands, New Tricks Trailer (short)
Duration: 00:20
Credits
Role | Contributor |
---|---|
Presenter | Rose Ayling-Ellis |
Participant | Marios Costi |
Production Manager | Dominique Haidar |
Assistant Producer | Holly Loach |
Executive Producer | Teresa Watkins |
Executive Producer | James Rogan |
Executive Producer | Soleta Rogan |
Director of photography | Graham Smith |
Series Producer | Camilla Arnold |
Producer | Dan Hall |
Director | Simon Gilchrist |
Production Company | Rogan Productions Ltd |
Broadcasts
Featured in...
iPlayer Documentaries Category :: Featured Episodes
iPlayer Documentaries Category featured programmes
iPlayer 成人快手 One Channel :: Featured Episodes
iPlayer 成人快手 One Channel featured programmes
iPlayer Lifestyle Category :: Featured Episodes
iPlayer Lifestyle category featured programmes