About us
A Russian philosopher stated that in the world of objects, items are not merely material entities but integral parts of our human experience, serving as mediums that convey our meanings and values. By understanding the value of everyday life through our belongings, we hope to foster a connection between the younger and older generations.
MISSION
BagTales is a web magazine dedicated to exploring the everyday lives and personal stories of older adults through the items they carry in their bags. Our mission is to offer a personal and relatable perspective that enhances understanding and appreciation across generations, making the journey of aging a more familiar and comforting experience.
VALUEWe strive to foster empathy, connection, respect, and inspiration through understanding, bridging generational gaps, valuing experiences, and sharing uplifting stories.
VISION
Our vision is to bridge the generational gap by highlighting the unique and meaningful stories of older adults. We aim to build connections between older adults and younger generations, deepening the understanding and appreciation of life at every stage.
BRAND STORY
Hello everyone! My name is Jaeyoung Bang, and I am an international student from Korea currently studying Communication Design at RMIT. As part of my graduation project, I am in the process of starting BagTales, a web magazine dedicated to exploring the everyday lives and personal stories of older adults through the items they carry in their bags.
Last year, in 2023, I flew back to Korea to visit my mum, who is in her late 60s, after she had a minor car accident. While I was there, I took the opportunity to clean the house and sort through her bags. I was amazed at what I found—lipsticks, toothpicks, used tissues, and old bank statements all tucked away in bags that hadn’t seen the light of day for ages. As I pulled each item out, I noticed a pattern: similar items kept popping up in every bag. My initial surprise quickly turned into curiosity. I realised that as I’ve gotten older, I also tend to stash tissues in my pockets for those inevitable moments. It made me chuckle to think about how my mum would carry a pink lipstick on days she chose one bag, and an orange lipstick on days she grabbed another, no matter what she wore or where she was headed. It’s oddly delightful and a bit absurd all at once.
I'd like to ask older adults, what does it really mean to grow older? Is it a fascinating journey where we gain wisdom and practical insights? These days, I don’t get many chances to chat with older adults outside of my family. That’s why I’d love to meet you and ask a few questions about what aging means for you. What do you keep in your bag or pockets? What do those items signify for you? Or maybe we can find meaning in things you think are just everyday bits and bobs. I want to share your stories and insights with others who, like me, struggle to connect with older adults in their lives.
Last year, in 2023, I flew back to Korea to visit my mum, who is in her late 60s, after she had a minor car accident. While I was there, I took the opportunity to clean the house and sort through her bags. I was amazed at what I found—lipsticks, toothpicks, used tissues, and old bank statements all tucked away in bags that hadn’t seen the light of day for ages. As I pulled each item out, I noticed a pattern: similar items kept popping up in every bag. My initial surprise quickly turned into curiosity. I realised that as I’ve gotten older, I also tend to stash tissues in my pockets for those inevitable moments. It made me chuckle to think about how my mum would carry a pink lipstick on days she chose one bag, and an orange lipstick on days she grabbed another, no matter what she wore or where she was headed. It’s oddly delightful and a bit absurd all at once.
I'd like to ask older adults, what does it really mean to grow older? Is it a fascinating journey where we gain wisdom and practical insights? These days, I don’t get many chances to chat with older adults outside of my family. That’s why I’d love to meet you and ask a few questions about what aging means for you. What do you keep in your bag or pockets? What do those items signify for you? Or maybe we can find meaning in things you think are just everyday bits and bobs. I want to share your stories and insights with others who, like me, struggle to connect with older adults in their lives.
bagtales.mag@gmail.com
© 2024, BagTales
© 2024, BagTales