Connection to place, community, and self are critical to overall wellbeing and lived experiences, however older adults often suffer a disconnect to one or many of these areas, which can lead to isolation, depression, and reduced activity. Many activities designed to increase socialisation and reduce loneliness provide great immediate impact to the lives of older adults, but don’t reach to address changes to mindset in order to foster long-term positive approaches to everyday life. This paper examines the transformational potential of photo walks as creative approach to the everyday which can influence a joyful rediscovery of familiar environments and allow a reimagining of ways to connect with place and community.

Drawing from qualitative research conducted with groups of older adults (both those living in the community and those living in residential aged care), the photo walk project examines the symbiotic relationship between researcher, participant, and environment during walks around community and in nature. Participants are encouraged to document their surroundings and are guided to explore the ways in which they move and interact with the space. The practice of walking and taking photographs can serve as a tool for thinking as experience where reflective practice emerges from the embodied experiences of the walks themselves. This model of photo walks has great potential to be used as a simple but holistic approach to creative engagement with older adults, with long lasting impacts, insights, and new perspectives into the interplay between creativity, connection, and place.