In "Becoming of age in #indigenous communities", we explore the meaning of care, aging and sense of safety in the Indigenous communities. In this newly published article, #samicare researchers Tove Mentsen Ness and Mai Camilla Munkejord examine the meaning of well-being among the older South Sámi people.
Abstract
In this paper, we examine the perceptions of well-being among older #South #Sámi people with various experiences from reindeer herding by use of a method called #photovoice. Eleven participants, including six men and five women aged 67–84 years, agreed to take photos of situations, things, or persons that made them feel a sense of well-being. When the researcher collected the photos, the participants were invited to tell their stories related to each photo. In the thematic analysis of the photos, three main themes emerged: a) well-being through connection to #nature, b) well-being through connection to the #reindeer, and c) well-being through connection to the #family. In conclusion, we argue that if #healthcare professionals are to enhance the well-being of #care receivers – in this case older people with South Sami background from reindeer-herding families – they must consider the care receiver’s #life #story and what constitutes well-being for the individual person.
"Our results therefore indicate that healthcare professionals must consider each person’s life story in order to contribute to their well-being. Only by doing this, healthcare professionals may be able to provide person-centred and culturally safe care services."
Keywords
Older indigenous people, South Sámi people, well-being, being connected, nature, reindeer, family
Citation
Tove Mentsen Ness & Mai Camilla Munkejord (2021) Being connected to nature, reindeer, and family: findings from a photovoice study on well-being among older South Sámi people, International Journal of Circumpolar Health, 80:1, DOI: 10.1080/22423982.2021.1936971