This research examines how older adults who participated in an online photovoice-based group intervention program described their experiences. Using a qualitative phenomenological design, the study included 13 older adults. Data were collected through semistructured, in-depth interviews and analyzed using content analysis. Findings revealed three central themes: (1) Challenges, including technical difficulties, difficulty identifying a subject for photography, the time required for photographing, and the emotional and intellectual effort involved in translating experiences into images; (2) Growth, reflected in the acquisition of new knowledge and skills, experiences of competence regardless of age, and empowerment; and (3) Meaning, expressed through reflexivity, projecting feelings onto images, connection to the outside world, mindfulness, choice, creativity, and critical consciousness. Overall, creative visual engagement through photography helped participants cope with challenges and enabled significant personal gains throughout the process.

Authors:
Offer Emanuel Edelstein, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel
Menny Malka, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel
Ephrat Huss, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel
Rivka Hillel Lavian, The Academic College Levinsky Wingate, Israel

About the Presenter(s)
Dr. Edelstein is a tenured senior lecturer, the Spitzer Department of Social Work, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel

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