Abstract
As the general population, individuals aging with traumatic brain injury (TBI) have experienced increased life expectancy. However, older adults with TBI face double stigma (age and disability) limiting social participation. Intergenerational initiatives present a promising avenue to support healthy aging and enhance social participation for individuals with TBI. This study aimed to co-design an intergenerational initiative centered on life story creation for individuals aging with TBI, presented through photographs. A participatory study was conducted using Design Thinking to guide the co-design process. Six two-hour workshops involved individuals from two generations living with TBI in Quebec, Canada, community workers, a manager from a non-profit organization, and experts in photography and narrative medicine. Co-design activities included brainstorming, group discussions, interviews, art creation, and prototyping. The process resulted in a program facilitating sharing of reflections on aging with disabilities through photographs developed by participants. The program comprised a seven-session intergenerational program culminating in a public photo exhibition in a national museum. A participant workbook, a tool for pairing intergenerational TBI-affected individuals, and promotional strategies were also co-developed. This initiative offers opportunities for social participation, supporting the health of individuals aging with TBI while fostering intergenerational solidarity. By bridging generations through shared experiences and creative expression, the program aims to reduce stigma and enhance quality of life for those living with TBI across age groups. The innovative approach of combining intergenerational interaction with visual storytelling provides a platform for individuals with TBI to express themselves and connect with others.
Presenters
Megan VeilleuxStudent, Baccalauréat en Psychologie, Université Laval, Quebec, Canada Ann-Frédérique Giguère
Student, Baccalauréat en Psychologie, Université Laval, Canada Ronen Ore
Student , Human sciences, Université Laval, Québec, Canada Mia Lapointe
Student, Master, Laval University, Quebec, Canada Valérie Poulin
Associate Professor, Occupational Therapy, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Quebec, Canada Manh Hung Nguyen
Postdoctoral Fellow, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Laval University, Quebec, Canada Angéline Labbé
Laval University Pascale Simard
PhD Candidate, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Université Laval, Quebec, Canada Samuel Turcotte
Professor, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Université Laval, Canada Emilie Raymond
Laval University
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Public Policy and Public Perspectives on Aging
KEYWORDS
HEALTH, INCLUSIVITY, INTERGENERATIONAL PROGRAM, TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY, SOCIAL PARTICIPATION, COMMUNITY
