Renewal, strength and commitment to self and others: older women’s reflections of the benefits of exercise using Photovoice

Abstract

Readers should also refer to the journal's website at http://www.informaworld.com/rqrs and check volume 2, issue 2 to view the visual material in colour. This study used Photovoice to examine how 38 older women (aged 65–75) perceived and visualised their physical health and the benefits of engaging in an exercise programme. Recruited from an exercise programme designed to examine the influence of exercise on executive function (cognition), the women were given disposable cameras and asked to photodocument how they experienced health and physical activity. Over a two‐month time period the participants collectively took over 700 photographs and each participated in a face‐to‐face interview. The photographs and interview transcripts were organised and analysed using a process designed by the researchers based on other Photovoice research. The analysis revealed that the women perceived exercise to be a means of renewing the self, a way to regain physical and social strength and an essential tool that would enable them to maintain their commitments to themselves and to others. We discuss our findings in light of the research and theorising concerning ageism and physical activity in later life.