Paper short abstract:

Engaging older individuals in research on scam effects, we created an interactive theatre prevention play, tested its impact via ethnography, and confirmed its community value.

Paper long abstract:

This study embodies the ethos of collaborative ethnography, engaging directly with older adults as partners in research to understand the nuanced impacts of scam victimization on their mental health and their hesitancy to seek assistance. Through a series of participatory interviews involving 35 older individuals, we co-created narratives that illuminate the lived experiences and the personal and systemic barriers faced when dealing with scams. These conversations not only informed the research outcomes but also contributed to the co-development of age-sensitive intervention strategies. Together with the participants, we crafted an experiential, community-centric scam prevention initiative: an interactive theater play. This innovative approach fosters open dialogue among older adults, their social circles, and caregivers, empowering them to recognize and respond to scams. We utilized ethnographic methods, including observation, to assess the impact of this interactive play, thereby validating its effectiveness and community acceptance. Complementary to this, surveys completed by 200 audience members post-performance demonstrated the practicality of our collaborative, community-based program. Our presentation will delve into the methodological intricacies of exploring scam tactics and evaluating the influence of our program, all through the lens of collaborative ethnography that values the expertise and agency of older individuals.