A MIXED METHODS CASE STUDY ON EXTREME WEATHER PREPAREDNESS AMONG OLDER ADULTS IN LOW-INCOME HOUSING

Sep 28, 2026

Disasters and extreme weather events increasingly disrupt daily routines and threaten productivity and health. Older adults and people with disabilities in low-income housing often face disproportionate impacts, including extreme heat, cold, winter storms, hurricanes, and heavy precipitation. This convergent mixed methods case study used Aging in the Right Place and cumulative disadvantage frameworks to examine preparedness and response experiences. Survey (N=40) and focus group data (N=26) were analyzed with constant-comparison methods and mapped to disaster risk management cycle elements. Residents viewed preparedness as vital, while the built environment, information sources, and social connections shaped attitudes and actions. Findings informed a practitioner toolkit for human services professionals and support co-developed regional disaster preparedness plans for affordable housing communities.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Overview

Study design and frameworks

Data collection and analysis

Key findings on preparedness and response

Toolkit development and implications

Innovation in Aging, 2025, Vol. 9, No. S2 421 Abstract citation ID: igaf122.1431 A MIXED METHODS CASE STUDY ON EXTREME WEATHER PREPAREDNESS AMONG OLDER ADULTS IN LOW-INCOME HOUSING Holly Dabelko-Schoeny1, Smitha Rao2, Anthony Traver1, Josie Sarabia1, Emma Rademacher3, Max Stokey1, and Marisa Sheldon1, 1. The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States, 2. Ohio University, Columbus, Ohio, United States, 3. The Ohio State University College of Public Health, Columbus, Ohio, United States Disasters and extreme weather events are no longer considered rare; they routinely disrupt daily routines and challenge people’s ability to maintain productivity and health. Older adults and individuals with disabilities living in low-income housing often bear the brunt of these occurrences, including extreme heat, cold, winter storms, hurricanes, and excessive precipitation. Using the Aging in the Right Place (AIRP) and cumulative disadvantage frameworks, this convergent mixed methods case study examined older adults’experiences with extreme weather, focusing on preparedness and response in low-income housing. Data from survey responses (N=40) and focus group discussions (N=26) were analyzed using constant-comparison analysis. Residents’ understanding of extreme weather preparedness and response was mapped onto elements of the disaster risk management cycle, informed by the theory of planned behavior. Despite differing views on extreme weather risks, residents considered preparedness vital for safety, especially for isolated or disabled individuals. The built environment, information sources, and social connections influenced attitudes and actions related to extreme weather. Based on study findings, a toolkit was developed for use by human services professionals working in low-income affordable housing properties, including identification of resident risk, resident-informed informational flyers, and space assessment worksheets. This study supports the co-development of community-informed regional disaster preparedness plans, particularly for individuals in affordable housing communities.

FAQs

Why is extreme weather preparedness especially important for older adults in low-income housing?

These events frequently disrupt routines and can severely affect health and productivity. Residents in low-income housing, including older adults and people with disabilities, often experience the brunt of extreme heat, storms, hurricanes, and heavy precipitation.

What frameworks and methods guided the study?

The study used the Aging in the Right Place (AIRP) and cumulative disadvantage frameworks. It employed a convergent mixed methods design, analyzing survey (N=40) and focus group (N=26) data with constant-comparison analysis.

How did the study findings translate into practical tools or planning support?

The research mapped residents’ understanding to elements of the disaster risk management cycle and informed a toolkit for human services professionals. The toolkit includes approaches such as identifying resident risk, creating resident-informed informational flyers, and using space assessment worksheets to support community-informed regional preparedness plans.

Sep 28, 2026

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