Research study: Aging in Place with a Warming Climate

Intention of the Study

In this study, I am investigating the relationship between climate-adaptive and age-friendly housing design, focusing specifically on older adults living in regions prone to extreme heat. The research aims to address the growing concern that the design of our homes directly contributes to older people's ability to survive a disaster, and the connection between climate-adaptive and age-friendly housing is not well understood.

Purpose and research questions

The project's purpose is to promote a better understanding of how our homes help or hurt us as we age in places with extreme heat.

How the information will be used

The overall study will employ a mixed-methods approach incorporating an archival review, digital survey, and key informant interviews. Ultimately, the goal is to develop actionable insights that can inform U.S. housing policy, ensuring new construction homes are adaptable to both climate change and the needs of our aging population. The research findings will be disseminated through a variety of channels to reach a wide audience and maximize the potential for positive impact. These channels may include: academic publications, conference presentations, policy briefs and reports, and public outreach.

How your data will be protected

Confidentiality will be maintained by securely storing all data collected, using anonymous identifiers for survey participants, and not disclosing any personal information of survey participants in the research findings. The potential risks of harm to participants in this study are minimal, and survey participants are guaranteed anonymity. Society-at-large will benefit from this research as it informs housing policies and practices that can enhance the safety, comfort, and resilience of homes for older community members living in places prone to extreme heat.

This study has been granted IRB approval through the sponsoring institution: Antioch University New England. If you have any questions about your rights as a research participant, please visit this website.