(P02-007-25) ‘Back Us and We’ll Back You’: A Photovoice Study Exploring the Impact of a Community-Based Food Model on the Health, Wellbeing and Social Connectedness of Older People

Objectives: The study objective was to explore participants’ experience of the LEMONADE (An incLusivE coMmunity fOod model for health wellbeiNg and sociAl connectedness of olDer pEople) project, an intervention co-created with older adults to improve health, wellbeing, and social connectedness.

Methods: Qualitative data was collected using Photovoice, a visual, community-based participatory research (CBPR) method whereby participants take photographs to document, reflect upon, and communicate experiences, while stimulating social change. It provides an alternative to traditional qualitative methods and is suited for use with populations who have been disenfranchised by traditional research methods. 15 purposively sampled participants were encouraged to take photos describing their experiences of the project using a pre-specified brief. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to gain insights into the photos and to discuss participants’ experience of the project. Thematic analysis of the photos was conducted to develop themes that described participants’ experiences.

Results: Included participants were 72.1±6.7 years old, 73% female and 33.3% were married. The majority of participants were White (86.7%), had attained compulsory schooling (53.3%), with annual household income less than £20,000 (60%), were living alone (60%) and were Christian (66.7%). Preliminary data on emerging themes on experiences and benefits from the project include colorful healthy meals with fresh ingredients, sense of community, motivation to go out, interaction with younger generations, importance of open and green spaces for older adults, reduction in loneliness, sharing of traditions and sense of achievement. Barriers to engagement included mobility issues, health status and cost of food impacting food choices.

Conclusions: The results indicate benefits of co-produced interventions set within the community on older people’s health, particularly around fostering a sense of community and reducing loneliness. The findings will inform future research and highlight a need for support within community with a focus on prevention to improve quality of life and independence in older age.

Funding Sources: This work is funded by a grant from the Dunhill Medical Trust (Grant number: SLEF2110\4).