Photovoice study: Using photography to investigate older persons' perceptions of an age-friendly community
Research Objective: To increase our understanding of what makes a community age-friendly through a participatory process involving older persons within communities.
The CURA team used participatory photovoice research techniques in six communities in Manitoba to investigate older persons' perceptions of an age-friendly community. As part of the research, seniors will take photographs of their communities to represent their daily reality, and the challenges and strengths of the community which impact quality of life for older persons.
Through group discussions, seniors identified attributes within their community that make it age-friendly and those that detract from age-friendliness. The team investigated priorities and actions to improve age-friendliness and challenges to be overcome. A broader vision is that through participation in the photovoice study, community members would take action within their communities to further age-friendly goals and increase inclusion of age-related concerns in all community-level decision making.
Focus groups have been conducted in four communities in Manitoba. To review summaries of findings from each of the groups, select the city that you would like to learn more about.