Heritage, Memory and Well-Being: Exploring Uses and Perceptions of the Historic Environment Amongst Older Adults in Nottinghamshire

Engagement with the historic environment can support a broad range of individual and communal well-being benefits. However, to continue supporting well-being while aging, there is a need to situate a knowledge of aging-in-place into the management of the historic environment. Here, we describe the application of a photovoice project to explore place-based attachments and the influence of heritage and memory on the relationship between older adults and the historic environment. A total of 17 participants aged 56-86 took part in the study, from three different areas of Nottinghamshire, UK. Three key themes were presented: 1) interconnected culture and community; 2) place identity and lived experiences; and 3) intergenerational bonding and preserving heritage for the future. The significant role of heritage and memory in shaping older adults' relationship with the historic environment was highlighted. By embodying heritage and memories, historic places strengthen attachments to place and foster a desire to age-in-place within familiar social and community supports. This supports well-being through enhancing community, identity, and belonging. Going forward, a knowledge of place-based attachments is necessary, to integrate historic places into wider community engagement strategies and to empower older adults to engage meaningfully with their environment.