| abstract |
This creative dissertation explores the significance of a phenomenological approach to raising social awareness of the challenges encountered by elderly women. Drawing upon principles from phenomenology, such as the importance of studying individual experiences and how subjective experience can be studied objectively by eliminating our own perceptions and evaluations, this paper underscores the importance of understanding the subjective experience of elderly women within their unique contexts of isolation, homelessness, and abuse. This approach emphasizes the interconnectedness between individuals and their environments by embracing empathy, active listening, and a holistic perspective. Furthermore, this paper explores how, by amplifying the voices of elderly women, we can create a culture of respect, empathy, and inclusion for aging individuals and acknowledge their contribution to society.
It is those voices of women that provide the centerpiece of my dissertation, a performative writing workshop melding those voices with visual storytelling and role-play, to increase social awareness of elder abuse and ultimately improve their lives. Through meaningful, experiential learning, caregivers can understand the lived realities of aging, including loss of autonomy, isolation, and existential concerns. Through performative workshops, we attain a deeper understanding of the challenges elderly women face, which serves as a catalyst for developing more responsive and compassionate care practices.
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