COPE-Daily
Research Methods: COPE-Daily method builds on the social ecological model, employs innovative methods including ecological momentary assessment, photovoice, passive health sensing, and uses participatory strategies by actively involving older adults and community partners through Photo Voice focus groups.
Focus Areas: On the individual level, we will identify barriers and facilitators in older adults' daily life related to engaging in appropriate behaviour to cope with extreme heat.
- Photo Voice Focus Groups: We will use the photo maps and video stories produced through the focus groups to display climate-related community health risks for public dissemination and policy-related discussion.
- Knowledge Mobilization: Findings will be shared through tools such as videos, photo boards, social media, blog posts, community forums, and academic platforms.
The goal of COPE-Daily is to understand what supports or prevents older adults from taking steps to protect their health during extreme heat. Over a 10-day period, participants will wear devices that track heart rate, skin temperature, activity levels, and environmental conditions. They will also complete short daily surveys about how they feel and respond to heat in real time.
After this assessment period, participants will join Photovoice focus groups to discuss and reflect on photos they have taken of places where they experienced heat discomfort or relief. These photos will be used to create community 鈥渉eat risk鈥� maps. By comparing physical data with participants鈥� lived experiences and locations, we can better identify where supports are needed and what barriers exist to engaging in protective behaviours during extreme heat.
This citizen-science approach allows older adults to actively shape the research and contribute to real-world solutions.