A Photovoice Study: The life experiences of middle‐aged adults with intellectual disabilities in Korea

• Published in: Journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities Vol. 34; no. 3; pp. 852 - 865
• Main Authors: Kim, Min Ah, Yi, Jaehee, Bradbury, Laura, Han, Ki‐myung, Yang, Jieun, Lee, Jinseung
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Wiley 01.05.2021; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
• Subjects: Activities of daily living; Adults; Aging; Aging (Individuals); Barriers; Community Centers; Families & family life; Family Relationship; Foreign Countries; Futures (of Society); Grief; Health; Health Behavior; Intellectual disabilities; Intellectual Disability; Interpersonal Relationship; Leisure Time; Life Style; Middle age; middle‐aged; Photography; Photovoice; Social Bias; Social interaction; Social Support Groups; South Korea; South Korea; Photovoice; South Korea; intellectual disabilities; middle-aged
• ISSN: 1360-2322; 1468-3148
• DOI: 10.1111/jar.12870

Background As adults with intellectual disabilities approach older adulthood, they face unique physical and psychosocial challenges. This study explored the lived experiences of middle‐aged adults with intellectual disabilities living in their community. Method Six sessions of Photovoice were conducted with a purposeful sample of six middle‐aged adults with intellectual disabilities in South Korea. Participants were involved with the theme selection, taking photographs related to the themes, group discussion of photo stories and sharing Photovoice outcomes. Results Thematic analysis yielded 11 subthemes under the five major themes selected by the participants: health, free time, time in the centre, family and my future in old age. Conclusions The study findings showed complex issues middle‐aged adults with intellectual disabilities may face in later life, including bereavement and healthy lifestyle concerns. It is important to create a space for meaningful social support and social interactions without stigma.