Assessing and reducing heat-related health risks for older adults in public housing.
Official title: Heat-Related Health Risk Assessment and Mitigation for Aging Populations in Public Housing: A Community-Individual Environment-Health Nexus
Funded at Texas A&m University · NIH-11061270 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how parks and green spaces in cities can help keep older adults living in public housing healthier and safer during hot weather, by exploring how these areas can improve their emotional well-being, thinking, and social connections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas A&m University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Station, United States) |
| Project start | July 13, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $622,225 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MD016587-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11061270 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults living in public housing, particularly those who may be vulnerable to heat-related health issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not live in public housing or are not affected by heat-related health risks may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how urban green infrastructure can impact the health of older adults living in public housing, particularly concerning heat-related health risks. The study aims to assess the health risks associated with heat exposure and evaluate how green spaces can mitigate these risks through various emotional, cognitive, and social pathways. By using a novel human heat stress model, the research will analyze the physiological responses of older adults to heat and the effectiveness of community planning in enhancing their resilience to climate conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health outcomes for older adults by informing community planning that reduces heat-related illnesses.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that urban green infrastructure can positively impact health outcomes, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Texas A&m University
College Station, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Dongying — Texas A&m University
- Study coordinator: Li, Dongying
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.