Abstract
The role of environment in health and wellbeing of older persons has been on the research and policy agendas worldwide. Considerable work within environmental gerontology has focused on the physical environment, although more attention has been paid to social environment recently. There is evidence that different elements of social environment such as social capital, social cohesion, safety, social contacts, or social support can influence older persons’ life, health (physical and mental) and wellbeing. However we do not exactly know how older persons themselves perceive and experience their environment, what is important for them and what role social characteristics of the environment play. In this study I discuss these issues by referring to empirical data obtained by using photovoice method and interviews. Participants were recruited from a database of Longitudinal Ageing Study Amsterdam (LASA). Photovoice was used as a qualitative research technique, the participants recorded and reflected on their environment through photos. In-depth interviews were conducted with older persons on meaning of living environment and concepts of social cohesion, trust, safety, social participation, social support, and social networks. This data forms the background for a discussion of the social environment and its possible impact on mental health and wellbeing of older persons. I delve into such questions as: How do older persons define their living environment and what are the most important elements of social environment for them? How do older people experience their social environment? What aspects of the social environment influence their mental health and wellbeing?
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Social and Cultural Perspectives on Aging
KEYWORDS
social environment photovoice
