Participatory Methods to Support Climate Adaptation for Older Adults Living in Vulnerable Urban Areas: An Ethnographic Study

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2025-05-29

Authors

Joel Bruno da Silva (Author) FFUP; Bibiana Tini (Author) Other; Ana Martins (Author) FAUP; Inês Mimoso (Author) FFUP; Teodora Figueiredo (Author) FFUP; Ana Silva Fernandes (Author) FAUP; Franklin Gaspar (Author) Other; Gisela Lameira (Author) FAUP; Luís Midão (Author) FFUP; Leovaldo Alcântara (Author) FFUP; Md Imtiaz Ahmad (Author) FEUP; Luísa Batista (Author) FEUP; Pedro Rocha (Author) ICBAS; Rui Jorge Garcia Ramos (Author) FAUP; Sara Santos Cruz (Author) FEUP; Cecilia Rocha (Author) FEUP; Helena Corvacho (Author) FEUP; Anabela Ribeiro (Author) Other; Paulo Conceição (Author) FEUP; Fernando Brandão Alves (Author) FEUP; Costa, E (Author) FFUP

Journal

Title: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

No. 18

Final page: 850

ISSN: 1661-7827

Publisher: MDPI

Indexing

ISI Web of Science

Scopus

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-018-WF2

DOI: 10.3390/ijerph22060850

Abstract (EN): <jats:p>Urban environments and climate-related challenges impact older adults¿ health and well-being. To address these challenges, climate adaptation strategies and urban design guidelines should be tailored to older adults¿ needs. Ethnographic studies can help identify these needs by involving them directly in the research process. This study uses ethnographic research to explore older adults¿ perceptions and behaviours regarding climate change risks and impacts, health, and mobility challenges in a vulnerable urban area¿São Roque da Lameira, Porto, Portugal. It studies the applicability and complementarity of four participatory methods that can inform urban design: (I) semi-structured interviews, (II) `go-along¿ interviews, (III) user observations, and (IV) emotional mapping. The qualitative data collected were analysed through thematic and spatial analysis. Common themes emerged between the four methods, including concerns about accessibility, safety, and comfort, such as uneven pavements, lack of seating, and poor infrastructure for people with reduced mobility. Participants recommended improvements, such as more green spaces and better pedestrian infrastructure quality. Notably, each method uncovered distinct dimensions, highlighting the added value of a multi-method approach. This study demonstrates that combining participatory methods offers deeper, context-specific insights to inform age-friendly and climate-resilient urban design. Future research should take climate-focused methods and a multidisciplinary approach into consideration.</jats:p>

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific