As people age, physical and health-related issues often emerge. This can be exacerbated by extreme weather events and other situations, for example the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vulnerability can increase when the indoor environmental quality of housing is not conducive to support wellbeing and when people have limited disposable income to improve their living environment.

Funded by the Australian Research Council, researchers at the University of Adelaide are undertaking a multidisciplinary study to advance knowledge about housing design and indoor environment to improve the wellbeing of older people, including those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

They are looking at ways older people can keep warm in cold weather, cool in hot weather and aspects of house design and technology that can make homes more resilient to extreme weather, with the aim to develop affordable improvement strategies.

The study is a continuation of a recently completed project that produced the Thermal Comfort at Home: A guide for older South Australians. It did not however capture all areas in South Australia.

The research team is now seeking people who are 65 years or older and live in the council areas of Charles Sturt, Playford, Salisbury, Port Adelaide Enfield and Murray Bridge to participate in the research. The study will include a series of focus groups and house monitoring surveys.

If you live in the above council areas and would like to participate please contact Dr Larissa Martins (larissa.arakawamartins@adelaide.edu.au or 0406 574 404). You will receive an honorarium for your involvement in the research.

For more information visit this page.