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

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Listed:
  • Joel Bruno da Silva

    (RISE—Health, Competence Center for Active and Healthy Ageing, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Bibiana Tini

    (CITTA—Research Centre for Territory, Transport and Environment, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Ana Martins

    (CEAU—Center for Studies in Architecture and Urbanism, Faculty of Architecture, University of Porto, 4150-564 Porto, Portugal
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Inês Mimoso

    (RISE—Health, Competence Center for Active and Healthy Ageing, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal)

  • Teodora Figueiredo

    (RISE—Health, Competence Center for Active and Healthy Ageing, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal)

  • Ana Silva Fernandes

    (CEAU—Center for Studies in Architecture and Urbanism, Faculty of Architecture, University of Porto, 4150-564 Porto, Portugal)

  • Franklin Gaspar

    (CITTA—Research Centre for Territory, Transport and Environment, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal)

  • Gisela Lameira

    (CEAU—Center for Studies in Architecture and Urbanism, Faculty of Architecture, University of Porto, 4150-564 Porto, Portugal)

  • Luís Midão

    (RISE—Health, Competence Center for Active and Healthy Ageing, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal)

  • Leovaldo Alcântara

    (RISE—Health, Competence Center for Active and Healthy Ageing, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal)

  • Md Imtiaz Ahmad

    (CITTA—Research Centre for Territory, Transport and Environment, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal)

  • Luísa Batista

    (CITTA—Research Centre for Territory, Transport and Environment, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal)

  • Pedro Rocha

    (School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal)

  • Rui Jorge Garcia Ramos

    (CEAU—Center for Studies in Architecture and Urbanism, Faculty of Architecture, University of Porto, 4150-564 Porto, Portugal)

  • Sara Cruz

    (CITTA—Research Centre for Territory, Transport and Environment, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal)

  • Cecília Rocha

    (CITTA—Research Centre for Territory, Transport and Environment, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal)

  • Helena Corvacho

    (CONSTRUCT—Institute of R&D in Structures and Construction, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal)

  • Anabela Ribeiro

    (CITTA—Research Centre for Territory, Transport and Environment, Department of Civil Engineering of the University of Coimbra, 3030-788 Coimbra, Portugal)

  • Paulo Conceição

    (CITTA—Research Centre for Territory, Transport and Environment, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal)

  • Fernando Alves

    (CITTA—Research Centre for Territory, Transport and Environment, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal)

  • Elísio Costa

    (RISE—Health, Competence Center for Active and Healthy Ageing, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal)

Abstract

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Joel Bruno da Silva & Bibiana Tini & Ana Martins & Inês Mimoso & Teodora Figueiredo & Ana Silva Fernandes & Franklin Gaspar & Gisela Lameira & Luís Midão & Leovaldo Alcântara & Md Imtiaz Ahmad & Luísa, 2025. "Participatory Methods to Support Climate Adaptation for Older Adults Living in Vulnerable Urban Areas: An Ethnographic Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(6), pages 1-36, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:22:y:2025:i:6:p:850-:d:1667659
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