PHOTOVOICE STUDY: USING PHOTOGRAPHY TO INVESTIGATE OLDER PERSONS' PERCEPTIONS OF AN AGE-FRIENDLY COMMUNITY

Winter Experiences IFA 11th Annual Conference on Ageing

Prague, Czech Republic

May 28 – June 1, 2012

Presented by Jim Hamilton, MSc, MPA

Associate Director, Centre on Aging, University of Manitoba Presentation compiled by Sheila Novek, MSc

This slide show presents photographs and commentary from the Age-Friendly Photovoice Study conducted with 30 seniors in 4 communities in Manitoba, Canada. The goal of the study was to explore ‘age-friendly’ community characteristics from the perspectives of older adults.

Photovoice is a qualitative, participatory research methodology that combines photography, interviews and group discussions. Older adults were provided with cameras and took photographs to illustrate community features that either enhance or diminish quality of life for seniors. Participants also recorded journal entries describing each photograph and took part in interviews and group discussions.

The slide show is a compilation of visual material and commentary from journals and discussion groups. From behind the camera lens, Manitoban seniors take us on a tour of what it means to age in communities across the province.

PHOTOVOICE STUDY: USING PHOTOGRAPHY TO INVESTIGATE OLDER PERSONS' PERCEPTIONS OF AN AGE-FRIENDLY COMMUNITY

Water draining off roof onto sidewalk where people walk, and ice on the sidewalk. People are careless in maintaining their buildings, letting the rain water freeze on sidewalks, and people will fall, it will cause accidents. People falling, broken arms, legs, hips.

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There is no walkway between the mall and this bank – in the winter they have to deal with this large snowbank and in the spring it is mud. They have no other way to get to the bank if they are walking. They have a parking lot for customers with cars, but have not ever considered walking customers, let alone seniors.

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The ‘bus stop’ sign is seen on the post. The ‘box’ is for the ‘mailperson’ that is the only reason it is shoveled out. There is no sidewalk on this side and that is the road directly in front of the snowbank. I do not feel this is a ‘safe’ situation and very cold at -40 degrees.

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Seniors rely on bus to go places. It is difficult to walk, slippery. They clean streets and they put snow on sidewalk.

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A diversity of people live there in terms of age. Young move in when houses come up for sale. Young move in and older community people mix and help each other in the community. Seniors help with the children and [young people help with] snow removal etc.

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It is difficult to scrape ice and snow from vehicles parked outdoors in winter. Often seniors have had a garage attached to their homes and then have to move to a seniors residence or apartment. It is difficult at that stage in life to park outdoors.

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A beautiful all season …walking trail encircling most of Thompson. Some areas lengthy and challenging; some short and easy walking. Easy access from many areas of the city. No fees.

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The Crolly Trail is a groomed cross country ski trail within the city limits. Very easy access. There are different distance loops. No fees.

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There are many types of fishing for all ages and price levels: off shore, from the boat, ice fishing and fly-in fishing.

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A senior using the stick to curl. Age-friendly – allows seniors to continue to curl after hip and knee problems.

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Safe, indoor track for walking, jogging. Age friendly track. Can walk no matter what the weather.

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Festivals

Carman Blizzard Festival

Churchill Aurora WinterFest

The Pas Northern Manitoba

Trappers’ Festival

St. Laurent Winter Blast

Festival

St. Malo Festival of Friends

Winnipeg Beach Wonderful

Winter Weekend

Brochet Caribou Festival

Grand Marais Winter Family

Festival

Flin Flon Bust the Winter

Blues Festival

Photo credit: http://www.blizzardfest.ca/Pictures.php

Photo credit: http://churchillchamberofcommerce.ca/winterfest.html

Contact information

Jim Hamilton

Centre on Aging, University of Manitoba

338 Isbister Building

Winnipeg MB Canada R3T 2N2

Email: Jim_Hamilton@UManitoba.CA

Web: www.umanitoba.ca/centres/aging