Sensing the built environment of supportive shelter and housing through the eyes and stories of older adults with experiences of homelessness
| Grittner, A. L., Walsh, C.A., & Hoselton, J. (2025, January 21). Sensing supportive environments through the eyes and stories of older adults with experiences of homelessness [Paper presentation]. 2nd International Conference on Homelessness, Santiago, Chile. |
Abstract
How do older adults with experiences of homelessness (OPEH) encounter the sensory environment of supportive housing? Sensory challenges increase with age yet understanding the sensory experiences of OPEH in supportive housing is uninvestigated, despite aging populations increasing both locally and globally. We applied secondary data analysis across semi-structured photovoice interviews (n=35) with OPEH (ages 50-71) living in four supportive housing sites in Calgary, Canada. Sensory environments acted as barrier and support, evidenced across the following themes: 1) self-perception; 2) well-being (sensory control, retreat, and restoration); and 3) community membership. Visual aesthetics, lighting, and outdoor connections supported self-perception. Well-being emerged from control and retreat from adverse stimuli, as well as restorative experiences. Shared taste experiences fostered community. Findings illustrate how attending to sensory environments in supportive housing is one pathway to fostering wellness, slowing aging, and promoting trauma recovery among OPEH.
