In the latest BBC documentary, we follow Rose Ayling-Ellis as she introduces BSL lessons to residents of Hughenden Gardens Village, a retirement community in Buckinghamshire. In this two-part documentary, Rose emphasises the beauty of sign language and the power it has at bringing people together. With an estimated 75% of older people experiencing some form of hearing loss, Rose hopes to outline the transformative power of connection and community that is embedded in British Sign Language.
Episode 1 sees Rose pitching to residents, where she is seen encountering scepticism from the residents, with one resident pointing out that she is too old to learn new skills. Despite a lack of enthusiasm from residents, Rose perseveres with the help of the charismatic BSL teacher, Marios Costi. In order to build the residents confidence and skills, the pair introduce personal photos, in the hope that it will make the residents connect with BSL on a deeper level. Soon, the lack of enthusiasm is overridden with a sense of awe and real appreciation of the beauty of BSL.
As the show continues, the residents open up more, with conversations centred on love, but also on loneliness- something Rose hopes that BSL can reduce the risk of. Namely, learning BSL offers a more expressive way to communicate, and, in turn, that reduces the risk of isolation, not feeling understood and not fitting in. In an emotional scene with Hughenden resident Karen, Rose opens up about that feeling of loneliness, of being sociable but going home to be on your own. In this scene, we see Rose highlight how sign language reduces this feeling, and how being part of the deaf community helps her to not feel alone. Ultimately her mission is to outline how sign language helps you to be understood, connected and included- something which might not always be a known feeling for the older generation.
Critics have praised the show, with The Times stating that the idea was a “bright idea to combat loneliness”, highlighting the societal impact of introducing sign language in care settings. The Guardian noted that the documentary was “funny, beautiful TV that leaves a lump in the throat”, acknowledging its ability to balance light-hearted moments with profound reflections on loneliness and the ageing process.
Overall, this show illuminates the benefits that BSL has at bringing people together, and also the demand that should be in place to see more care homes being offered sign language classes.
To watch this moving two-part documentary, it is available via BBC iPlayer.
