2025/05/07 by Tricia King, Marcia Grimm, Leah Barclay +1 · 1 voice
Health Professions · Psychology · Social Sciences · #Aging and Gerontology Research #Mental Health and Patient Involvement #Participatory Visual Research Methods
paper · pdf · doi:10.1111/ajag.70040
openalex publication_date 2025/05/07 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
OBJECTIVES: This paper explores the potential of photographs and creative practice to connect older adults to self and community through photograph-sharing and care practices. METHODS: This qualitative study used a combination of collaborative arts-based practice and friendship as a method to explore creative photo walks with 12 older adults based across residential aged care and community dwellings. RESULTS: Sharing images with others and collaborative exhibitions enhanced new social connections and personal communications. The research highlighted three key dimensions that emerged from the creative practice: connection, agency and the capacity for giving. CONCLUSIONS: This article contributes to discourses in creative gerontology, participatory research methodologies and arts-based approaches to understanding ageing. By foregrounding the experiences of older adults and centring their creative agency, we challenge deficit-based models of ageing and propose alternative frameworks that recognise the ongoing creativity, resilience and social potential of older individuals.