Using photovoice to explore attitudes toward and experiences with images of older adults

ABSTRACT

This study examined university students’ perceptions of older adults. The study employed the photovoice, analyzing visual data (photographs) and in-depth interviews conducted with five university students to capture more accurate and candid images of older adults. Themes from photographs, interviews, and focus group discussions were organized into three categories: study participants’ negative ‘otherization’ of older adults, a critical awakening of ‘discrimination and exclusion’ in daily life, and the consciousness raising among young people who were used to ‘otherizing’. Young adults who differed from older adults due to their decline in old age noticed various forms and degrees of discrimination and exclusion of older adults in daily life through photovoice experience. Moreover, young adults developed positive perspectives and recognized the strengths of the older adults. This study is unique in providing specific and practical insights into the co-existence of two generations. Our findings suggest that developing and implementing programs and policies that promote positive interaction between young and older generations will contribute to resolving inter-generational conflict and ageism.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Statement of ethical approval

This study was approved by the IRB board of Chungnam National University (IRB No. 202007-SB-087-01), Chungchungnam-do province, Republic of Korea.

Additional information

Funding

This research was supported by Basic Science Research Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) funded by the Ministry of Education [No.2020S1A5C2A03092919].