Perceptions of ageing in a digital world: A co-created photovoice study
Authors: Heward, M., Miller, P., Bradley, L., Amenyah, S., Yinusa, G. and Members of ADRC Research Participation Group
Conference: British Society of Gerontology Annual Conference
Dates: 25-27 June 2025
Abstract:A quarter of people aged 65 and over with internet access lack the skills to use it independently. This is problematic for many older people and their families, given the digitalisation of key support services - including health and social care. The aim of this project is to explore what is beneficial and challenging for older people in a digital world. The project is co-created by a team of older people and academic researchers, who came together as co-researchers to collaboratively take forwards a project important to them. Data was collected from participants aged 55 and over (n=10) using the photovoice method. Participants took photographs related to the project aim and later discussed them with co-researchers in semi-structured interviews. Following the interviews, participants and co-researchers worked together to identify key learning across the project and drew on this to curate a public exhibition of the photographs. In this paper we will discuss preliminary findings from the photovoice interviews and some of the photographs. We will also share insights into our approach (and experiences) to co-producing research between older people and academic researchers.
By bringing older people to the forefront as co-researchers and framing discussions of ageing more widely around digitalisation, this project provides new insights to debates on digital inclusion in later life. This project is funded by the British Society of Gerontology (BSG) Averil Osborn Award for Participatory Research. The views expressed and discussed may not represent the views of the BSG.
Source: Manual