How to age positively: perspectives of older adults with a low socioeconomic status using participant-driven photo-elicitation interviews

Investigating health and ageing with older adults with low socioeconomic status (SES) is challenging, because they seem to have trouble completing questionnaires containing abstract concepts such as health and ageing. Visual tools may be more suitable alternatives. Therefore, we had the following research questions: What are the perspectives of low-SES older adults on positive ageing? How do low-SES older adults experience the participant-driven photo-elicitation method? For this study, 21 Dutch participants (mean age 75 years) gathered a maximum of 10 photographs about positive ageing. Most participants collected photographs digitally, and two participants needed assistance. Two weeks later, they were interviewed and asked to reflect on their photographs and share their experience with this photo-voice method. Results showed that most photographed themes were Social Health (spending time with children and grandchildren), Activities, Nature and Animals (pets), and Foods and Drinks. Additionally, Mental Health (feeling happy and accepting losses) and Positive Ageing (focusing on the bright side of life) were also discussed. All participants said that the method was pleasant and interesting. For some it made it easier to talk about positive ageing. Perceptions concerning positive ageing involved a combination of spending time with loved ones, activities, nature, pets, eating and drinking, and also accepting losses and enjoying life. An integrated approach could be directed at these perceptions in positive health programmes for older adults with a low SES.