Why it matters
Managed retreat and climate adaptation planning often focus on property and infrastructure. This project centers older adults, subsidized housing residents, mobility constraints, health needs, and care networks.
Climate Adaptation & Healthy Communities
Healthy Aging, Coastal Risk, and Managed Retreat
Research on older adults, subsidized housing, mobility, health, and climate adaptation in coastal Massachusetts communities.
UMass Boston GerontologyUrban Harbors InstituteSchool for the EnvironmentCommunity housing partners
Overview
This interdisciplinary project examines how flood risk, housing vulnerability, mobility constraints, health needs, social networks, and service systems shape climate adaptation for older adults in subsidized housing. The work focuses not only on physical exposure, but also on continuity of care, daily routines, social support, and receiving-community readiness.
The project integrates GIS vulnerability analysis, focus groups, surveys, site-based community engagement, and graduate studio collaboration.
Methods
Spatial analysis, focus groups, surveys, field engagement, site profiles, housing vulnerability assessment, and graduate studio research.
Planning contribution
The work connects climate adaptation to housing policy, aging, transportation, social infrastructure, and receiving-community planning.