Sheila Novek Email: Sheila_Novek@UManitoba.CA

1. PHOTOVOICE STUDY: USING PHOTOGRAPHY TO INVESTIGATE OLDER PERSONS' PERCEPTIONS
OF AN AGE-FRIENDLY COMMUNITY
Winter Experiences
IFA 11th Annual Conference on Ageing
Prague, Czech Republic
May 28 – June 1, 2012
Presented by Jim Hamilton, MSc, MPA
Associate Director, Centre on Aging, University of Manitoba
Presentation compiled by Sheila Novek, MSc

2. PHOTOVOICE STUDY: USING PHOTOGRAPHY TO INVESTIGATE OLDER PERSONS' PERCEPTIONS
OF AN AGE-FRIENDLY COMMUNITY
This slide show presents photographs and commentary from the Age-Friendly Photovoice
Study conducted with 30 seniors in 4 communities in Manitoba, Canada. The goal of the
study was to explore ‘age-friendly’ community characteristics from the perspectives of older
adults.
Photovoice is a qualitative, participatory research methodology that combines photography,
interviews and group discussions. Older adults were provided with cameras and took
photographs to illustrate community features that either enhance or diminish quality of life
for seniors. Participants also recorded journal entries describing each photograph and took
part in interviews and group discussions.
The slide show is a compilation of visual material and commentary from journals and
discussion groups. From behind the camera lens, Manitoban seniors take us on a tour of
what it means to age in communities across the province.

4. © Centre on Aging
Water draining off roof onto sidewalk where people walk, and ice on the
sidewalk. People are careless in maintaining their buildings, letting the rain
water freeze on sidewalks, and people will fall, it will cause accidents. People
falling, broken arms, legs, hips.

5. © Centre on Aging
There is no walkway between the mall and this bank – in the winter they have to
deal with this large snowbank and in the spring it is mud. They have no other
way to get to the bank if they are walking. They have a parking lot for
customers with cars, but have not ever considered walking customers, let alone
seniors.

6. © Centre on Aging
The ‘bus stop’ sign is seen on the post. The ‘box’ is for the ‘mailperson’ that is
the only reason it is shoveled out. There is no sidewalk on this side and that is
the road directly in front of the snowbank. I do not feel this is a ‘safe’ situation
and very cold at -40 degrees.

7. © Centre on Aging
Seniors rely on bus to go places. It is difficult to walk,
slippery. They clean streets and they put snow on
sidewalk.

8. © Centre on Aging
A diversity of people live there in terms of age. Young move in when houses
come up for sale. Young move in and older community people mix and help each
other in the community. Seniors help with the children and [young people help
with] snow removal etc.

9. © Centre on Aging
It is difficult to scrape ice and snow from vehicles parked outdoors in winter.
Often seniors have had a garage attached to their homes and then have to move
to a seniors residence or apartment. It is difficult at that stage in life to park
outdoors.

10. © Centre on Aging
A beautiful all season …walking trail encircling most
of Thompson. Some areas lengthy and challenging;
some short and easy walking. Easy access from
many areas of the city. No fees.

11. © Centre on Aging
The Crolly Trail is a groomed cross country ski trail within the city limits. Very
easy access. There are different distance loops. No fees.

12. © Centre on Aging
There are many types of fishing for all ages and price levels: off shore, from the
boat, ice fishing and fly-in fishing.

13. © Centre on Aging
A senior using the stick to curl. Age-friendly – allows seniors to continue to curl
after hip and knee problems.

14. © Centre on Aging
Safe, indoor track for walking, jogging. Age friendly track. Can walk no matter
what the weather.

15. The Pas Northern Manitoba
Trappers’ Festival
Festivals
Carman Blizzard Festival
St. Laurent Winter Blast
Photo credit: http://www.blizzardfest.ca/Pictures.php
Festival
St. Malo Festival of Friends
Winnipeg Beach Wonderful
Winter Weekend
Brochet Caribou Festival
Grand Marais Winter Family
Festival
Photo credit: http://churchillchamberofcommerce.ca/winterfest.html Flin Flon Bust the Winter
Churchill Aurora WinterFest Blues Festival

16. Contact information
Jim Hamilton
Centre on Aging, University of Manitoba
338 Isbister Building
Winnipeg MB Canada R3T 2N2
Email: Jim_Hamilton@UManitoba.CA
Web: www.umanitoba.ca/centres/aging