Wilson, Karen (2018) Older Women's Experiences of Social Participation and Public Libraries: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Honours thesis, University of Southern Queensland. (Unpublished)
Abstract
A global increase in population ageing and urbanisation requires governments and service providers to respond with a paradigm shift in developing strategies for building inclusive and accessible communities. Australian governments are working collaboratively to secure better ageing outcomes for older adults. The Queensland Government adopted the World Health Organization's age-friendly framework to prompt action at local level and encourage people of all ages to stay active and socially connected. Socio-demographic and life course factors may leave older women at increased risk of experiencing loneliness and social isolation. This is exacerbated by changing digital technology. This exploratory study aimed to develop an increased understanding of older women's experiences of social participation through public libraries. There is limited empirical evidence on how libraries support older women to stay active and socially connected within their communities. Five women aged 65-74 years, who live alone and regularly participate in local library programs and activities were recruited and interviewed. Data from audio-recorded, semi-structured interviews were transcribed and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Four themes emerged of older women's experiences of public libraries: (a) a gateway to knowledge and information; (b) a hub that promotes a sense of belonging and connectedness; (c) a space that promotes inclusivity and diversity, and (d) an unexpected enabler of self-reflection and reappraisal of self, needs and goals. These findings may provide valuable insights to inform future research and influence local age-friendly agendas.
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| Item Type: | Thesis (Non-Research) (Honours) |
|---|---|
| Item Status: | Live Archive |
| Additional Information: | Current UniSQ staff and students can request access to this thesis. Please email research.repository@unisq.edu.au with a subject line of SEAR thesis request and provide: Name of the thesis requested and Your name and UniSQ email address |
| Faculty/School / Institute/Centre: | Historic - Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences - School of Psychology and Counselling (1 Jan 2015 - 31 Dec 2021) |
| Supervisors: | Jan du Preez |
| Qualification: | Bachelor of Science (Honours) |
| Date Deposited: | 20 Aug 2025 00:22 |
| Last Modified: | 20 Aug 2025 00:22 |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | older adults, active ageing, social participation, isolation, public libraries, qualitative. |
| Fields of Research (2008): | 17 Psychology and Cognitive Sciences > 1799 Other Psychology and Cognitive Sciences > 179999 Psychology and Cognitive Sciences not elsewhere classified |
| Fields of Research (2020): | 52 PSYCHOLOGY > 5299 Other psychology > 529999 Other psychology not elsewhere classified |
| URI: | https://sear.unisq.edu.au/id/eprint/52890 |
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