Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Thesis Format

Monograph

Degree

Master of Science

Program

Health and Rehabilitation Sciences

Supervisor

McGrath, Colleen

Abstract

This study aimed to co-construct the accounts of older adults with age-related vision loss (ARVL) regarding their community mobility experiences. The study was based on a constructivist paradigm, and the collection and analysis of data adopted the narrative methodology. Participants included four older adults with one of the following conditions: macular degeneration, glaucoma, and/or diabetic retinopathy; all were at least 60 years old. Participants were recruited from Optometry clinics in London, Ontario, with one participant recruited using snowball sampling. The collection of data comprised three narrative interviews, all of which were audio recorded. These interviews took place over the phone as per the older adults’ request. This study conducted thematic and structural narrative analyses (Riesman, 2008) on participants' stories and identified six dominant themes, including: (1) Moving from private vehicles to public transport, (2) Elements of the physical environment act more as barriers than facilitators to community mobility, (3) The use of assistive devices and compensatory strategies to support community mobility, (4) Social networks and their influence on community mobility, (5) Ableist perceptions of older adults with ARVL & its impact on community mobility, and (6) Community mobility barriers stemming from political factors. The research findings expand our understanding of the community mobility experiences of older adults with ARVL and highlight the benefits of more inclusive age-friendly environment in facilitating their community mobility. The study's future directions and implications are also discussed.

Keywords: Age-related vision loss, older adults, environment, community mobility

Summary for Lay Audience

This study aimed to understand the community mobility experiences of older adults living with age-related vision loss (ARVL). Four older adults aged 60 and older were interviewed, and they shared stories about their community mobility experiences since their vision loss diagnosis. Analysis of the older adults’ narrative accounts revealed six themes, including: 1) Moving from private vehicles to public transport, (2) Elements of the physical environmental physical infrastructure act more as barriers than facilitators to community mobility, (3) The use of assistive devices and compensatory strategies to support community mobility, (4) Social networks and their influence on the community mobility of older adults with ARVL, (5) Ableist perceptions of older adults with ARVL & its impact on community mobility, and (6) Community mobility barriers stemming from political factors. The research findings may inform future research, government policies, and the general public regarding inclusiveness in the environment holistically in order to meet the community mobility needs of older adults with ARVL.

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