CREATIVE AGEING RESEARCH
I am a researcher in creative arts health projects for wellbeing focusing on creative engagement with older adults through photographic and creative practices.
Utilising lens-based techniques such as photo voice, photo-elicitation, documentary and collaborative photography, I develop collaborative participant driven projects anchored in ethically focused research methods and underpinned by friendship and reciprocity. My work predominantly focuses on older people living in aged care and people living with dementia to explore their lived experience, enhance well-being and help develop programs to assist with greater socialisation and communication. My current work involves interdisciplinary collaborations with health professionals to develop methods of creative projects to increase creativity, movement, socialisation and wellbeing and explorations of photographic practices with people living with dementia.
My creative practice explores interdisciplinary place-based projects which investigate how remote embodied experiences of natural environments can facilitate ecological empathy, cultural knowledge, and connection to place.
I currently lead the Australian Association of Gerontology’s Student and Early Career Researcher Communications Working Group, is a co-chair of UniSCs Non-Traditional Research Outputs (NTRO) Committee, and is a member of the Queensland Arts Health Network, Australian Association of Gerontology Queensland Board, and the University of the Sunshine Coast’s Research Communications Working Party.
You can view my publications here: https://research.usc.edu.au/esploro/profile/tricia_king/
PICTURE YOURSELF
Images are a powerful representation of individuals and communities. However, the overwhelming visual representation of older people in Australia reinforces negative stereotypes of older age and lacks diversity of gender, ability, race, and ethnicity. The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety highlighted the urgent need to give visibility and voice to older Australians. Much research exists on the negative experience stereotypical images present to both older people themselves and general societal ageism. Images which show older people as frail, useless and inadequate have the potential to impact cognitive, physical and psychosocial aspects of older adults lives (as well as influence the way in which younger people perceive ageing). A primary deliverable from this project is to readdress this imbalance by creating new images of ageing which are positive, authentic, diverse and – most importantly - created by older people themselves.
You can read about how to join the project here: https://www.collaborativephotography.com/projects/pictureyourself
AGEING WELL CREATIVE LAB
At the Ageing Well Creative Lab, we believe that the later years of life should be filled with exploration, connection, creativity and well-being. Based at the University of the Sunshine Coast, our fortnightly lab is dedicated to developing programs that empower older adults to stay active, creative, and socially connected. Through innovative projects like photo walks, tech skill workshops, and outdoor experiences, we provide meaningful opportunities for older Australians to engage with their communities, explore new skills, and enjoy the benefits of a creative lifestyle.
You can read about how to join the project here: https://www.collaborativephotography.com/
PHOTO WALKS
Our project "Creativity and Movement in Ageing Communities" explores simple ways to improve wellbeing for older adults through friendship, art, and exercise. Through an 8-week program where participants take photo walks together and share their pictures, combining gentle physical activity with creative expression and social connection. We worked with two groups: residents of an aged care facility and older adults living independently in the community. By comparing these two groups, we're learning how to help people stay creative and connected as they age, what barriers might prevent this (social, physical, institutional, or technological), and how activities like photo sharing and group walks can overcome these barriers. Our project supports the National Arts Health Framework by promoting interaction, inclusion, and mental stimulation while reducing isolation through shared experiences. This webpage highlights our early findings and explores future possibilities for creativity and movement programs in aging communities.
You can read about how to join the project here: https://www.collaborativephotography.com/projects/photowalks