Living as older adults with mental health concerns in rural British Columbia: A photovoice study

Abstract

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to understand the mental health experiences of adults 50 years of age and older living in a rural community in British Columbia.

Methods

This study used critical social theory and interpretive description. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 8 adults aged 50 years and older. Participants used digital cameras and spent up to five weeks taking photos of representations of their life as an older adult with a mental health concern in a rural community. Semi-structured interviews were used to explore participants’ reasons for taking various photos, unveiling their experiences. Constant comparison was used to analyze the data.

Results

Four key themes were identified: mental wellbeing (hope, spirituality, and gratitude; nature and losses); stigma; services and supports; and environment.

Conclusion

There is a significant need for more health care providers for rural older adults’ mental health. Additionally, there is a need for integrated services and peer-led supports to address the needs of this population.

Keywords:

• Environmental factors/housing/rural-urban factors
• psychosocial and cultural aspects
• photovoice
• older adults
• mental health

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Mitacs Accelerate under Grant [BC-ISED]; Canadian Nurses Foundation under the Extendicare Gerontology Award; and a grant awarded through the 2018 South Okanagan Similkameen Community Health Research Grants competition [SOS_18002].