Using photovoice with older adults: some methodological strengths and issues

Abstract

Photovoice is a qualitative research technique in which participants record and reflect on their community through photography. The technique is gaining popularity as a participatory research methodology. Few studies, however, have described the use of photovoice with older adults. This paper examines the application of photovoice in a qualitative, participatory research study examining age-friendly community characteristics in four communities in Manitoba, Canada. Thirty older adults were provided with cameras and took photographs to illustrate how age-friendly their communities are and participated in group discussions to identify priorities in becoming more age-friendly. The research process and results were analysed in order to assess the application of the methodology with older adults. Photovoice is an effective tool for eliciting older persons' perceptions of their communities, giving voice to the unique concerns of older adults, and identifying strategies for change. If adapted to accommodate the needs of seniors, this methodology provides an innovative approach to community-based gerontological research. On the other hand, there are a number of challenges to be overcome if photovoice is to be a truly effective research instrument, including recruitment, photography training, retrieving consent forms, and issues of time and distance.KEY WORDSphotovoice, older adults, participatory research, qualitative methods.

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