Research from The University of Manchester has uncovered how something as simple as walking and taking photographs can reveal powerful stories about people's lives and the places they live.
Published in The Royal Geographical Society's Area journal, the study worked with older residents of Prestwich, Greater Manchester to explore the memories, emotions and experiences tied to local spaces - from leafy parks to busy high streets. Participants took the researcher with them on journeys, snapping photos along the way and sharing what these places meant to them.
For 67-year-old Paul, a walk through Prestwich Clough brought back vivid childhood memories of exploring ponds, catching tadpoles, and playing games with friends. For others, like Ben and Reg, a trip up a church tower became an opportunity to share stories about community, heritage, and family life. And for George, a wheelchair user, taking the tram into Manchester highlighted the challenges of accessibility - but also the importance of places like the Central Library café, where he felt welcome and connected.
Dr Amy Barron, from the Department of Geography, led the project. She said: "Places are never just bricks, paths or buildings. They hold memories, feelings, and connections that shape who we are. By walking with people, listening to their stories, and looking at the photos they chose to take, we were able to see how deeply personal and emotional these everyday spaces really are."
The project was carried out at a time when Greater Manchester was first starting to work towards becoming the world's first 'age-friendly' city-region, a global initiative designed to make cities better places to grow old. The research highlights why it's important to listen to the voices of older people - not just through surveys and statistics, but by taking the time to share in their experiences.
The findings show that places carry people's histories with them. Memories of childhood, family traditions, and community connections live on in familiar landscapes. At the same time, small everyday routines - like visiting a library, volunteering at a church, or walking the dog - show how places help create a sense of belonging and identity.
The research also points to wider benefits. City planners, museums, and community groups could use similar methods to understand how people use local spaces, collect living memories, and bring different voices into conversations about the future of towns and cities.
Focusing on the voices of older people highlights the importance of everyday places and the rich, personal stories they hold. It shows that the places we pass through each day - the park, the market, the church, the tram stop - are much more than just backdrops. They are living parts of our personal and collective stories.
