A study of the relationship between reflexivity and habitus over the life course: exploring the roles of emotion, recognition and generation

This thesis contributes to understanding the experiences of social class across the life course and into the third age. It engages with and builds upon research that examines the relationship between Margaret Archer’s conceptualization of reflexivity and Bourdieu’s habitus. Analysis will be presented from narrative interviews with a sample of 19 participants, in retirement and from diverse social locations, recruited through University of the Third Age groups and social clubs in a city in Wales. It argues that processes of symbolic and affective recognition, and emotional and generational habitus, are significant in the relationship between reflexivity and habitus over the course of a life, and that social class is a key component of identity in the diverse landscape of the third age. The research supports and extends current work in social theory and gerontology and has implications for the development of policy

Nature as a 'Lifeline': The Power of Photography when Exploring the Experiences of Older Adults living with Memory Loss and Memory Concerns

The visual is an underutilised modality through which to investigate experiences of memory loss in older people. We describe a visual ethnography with older adults experiencing subjective or objective memory loss, receiving a cognitive wellbeing group intervention designed to prevent cognitive decline and dementia (APPLE-Tree programme). We aimed to explore lived experiences of people with memory concerns, how participants engaged with this photography and co-design project, and how collaboration with an artist/photographer enhanced this process. Nineteen participants shared photographs reflecting what they valued in their daily lives, their experiences of memory concerns, and the intervention. Fourteen participated in qualitative photo-elicitation interviews, and thirteen collaborated with a professional artist/photographer to co-create an exhibition, in individual meetings and workshops, during which a researcher took ethnographic field notes. Eight participants were re-interviewed after the exhibition launch. We contextualise images produced by participants in relation to discourses around the visual and ageing and highlight their relationship with themes developed through thematic analysis that interconnects photographic, observational and interview data. We present themes around the use of photographs to: (1) celebrate connections to nature as a lifeline; (2) anchor lives within the context of relationships with family; (3) reflect on self and identity, enduring through ageing, memory concerns, pandemic, and ageing stereotypes. We explore visual research as a powerful tool for eliciting meaningful accounts from older adults experiencing cognitive change and to connect the arts and social sciences within ageing studies

Evaluating the Impact on co-designers and audiences of a Photographic Exhibition by Participants with Memory Problems

We aimed to explore feelings and changes in perception among people co-producing and viewing a photography exhibition created with people living with memory problems, who were participating in the APPLE-Tree (Active Prevention in People at risk of dementia through Lifestyle, bEhaviour change and Technology to build REsiliEnce) study, evaluating a lifestyle intervention aiming to reduce dementia risk. We explored whether and how the exhibition provided audiences with insights about everyday lives of people with memory concerns and challenged stigma around having memory concerns. Participants collaborated with a photographer/artist to represent things that were important to them, their experiences of memory concerns, and their involvement in the APPLE-Tree programme, through arrangements of photographs and accompanying texts. We surveyed the launch exhibition audience; and qualitatively interviewed the study team who co-produced the exhibition. Approximately 200 people attended the exhibition launch, of whom 97 completed the survey. We interviewed two co-producers with lived experience of memory problems and seven academic co-producers. In our thematic analysis of survey responses and interview transcripts, we developed three themes: (1) Increasing understanding by giving voice to participants: Seeing the people behind the work; (2) The power of visual methods to communicate research findings; (3) Leaving with a message of hope: spreading APPLE-Tree intervention messages. We discuss the value of public engagement created by working with older people with memory concerns using arts-based co-production, the impact of the exhibition, and its effectiveness in increasing understanding and awareness of memory concerns, memory loss and dementia prevention