Photovoice, Care, and Loneliness
What is Care? A Photo Exhibition
In this photovoice exhibition, nine older people from Myanmar living in Mae Sai share their perspectives on their daily lives and what care means to them, shedding light on the importance of nature and religion. This participatory project was part of Samia Akhter-Khan’s PhD project and co-produced with Ben Lu, a 60-year-old woman from Myanmar living in Mae Sai. Pre- and post-comparisons of loneliness show that older people felt less lonely after the project, suggesting that photovoice may function as an intervention for loneliness among older migrants. The exhibition was curated by participants themselves, was exhibited live in Mae Sai and London, and is divided into four parts. The first part focuses on the definition of care and visualizes how older people provide for others
Care and Nature
Part 2 of the exhibition shows how care is not only provided to other people but also to the environment. People care for and about nature by planting trees and growing vegetables. Being in nature has mental health benefits as it makes people feel at ease and helps relieve their worries and stress. As children and the government cannot be relied upon to provide care, older migrants from Myanmar need to rely on themselves, nature, and God
Care and Spirituality
Part 3 focuses on the relationship between care, religion, and spiritual beliefs. As Buddhists, the afterlife can be prepared for by praying, meditating, providing offerings, and doing good deeds. Care for spirits, care for others, and volunteering results in good Karma and a better afterlife. In a sense, providing care for other people, the environment, spirits, and the community becomes a form of self-care, for the present life and the afterlife
Personal Insights
The final part of the exhibition shows insights into people’s individual experiences and lives, reflecting examples of care, and how nature and religion are important avenues for realizing care and preparing for the afterlife. Each person participating has their own view on and message about what is meaningful and important for them in older age