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Nichole Kain, Ph.D., is a 2024 graduate of the Ph.D. Program in Environmental Studies at Antioch University, New England

Dr. Nichole M. Kain

Committee:

Jason Rhoades, PhD, Chairperson

Meaghan Guckian, PhD, Committee Member

Elicia Ratajczyk, PhD, Committee Member

Keywords

population aging, extreme heat, home design, housing policy, aging in place, climate change

Document Type

Dissertation

Publication Date

2024

Abstract

Aging populations—particularly in areas prone to extreme heat—are facing unique residential challenges. In the past 10 years, extreme heat has killed more people in the United States (U.S.) than all other weather hazards combined, and it is expected to get hotter, with extreme heat events predicted to happen more often in the future. People over the age of 65 are disproportionately represented as the majority of heat victims, and are likely to perish in their own homes during these events. Every day, 10,000 people turn age 65 in the U.S. and many are choosing to age and retire in places of scientific climate concern such as Arizona. This study reveals that age-adaptive and climate-adaptive housing designs contribute to our quality of life as we age in a warming climate. To better understand potential connections between the homes where we live and survivability as we age with extreme heat, the present research was designed and analyzed utilizing a new conceptual framework of my own making titled PLACE: Preparing Living spaces for Aging with Climate Extremes. Employing a mixed-methods approach, this dissertation was accomplished in three parts. First, an archival review of Medical Examiner reports from the hottest 3 days of 2022 in Maricopa County, Arizona, showed evidence of connections between the built environment and an older person’s death in their home, which demonstrates these reports to be a useful inclusion when understanding conditions leading to death. Second, a digital survey of people ages 65 and older currently living in Arizona highlighted real-world adaptations that were successful in mitigating the deadly impacts of high heat, and thus support aging in place. Lastly, semi-structured interviews with professionals and older Arizonians provided insights into successful ways to enhance age-friendly and heat-adaptive housing. In addition to advancing our understanding of aging in places with extreme heat, this dissertation offers two pieces of applied materials: A residential guide/handout for the general public that combines mitigation for both extreme heat and age-friendly design, as well as a policy research brief promoting the future development of energy efficient and age-friendly housing. Integrating the results provides a preliminary blueprint to promote the standardization of adaptive features that enhance thermal comfort and safety as we age in a warming world. This dissertation is available in open access at AURA (https://aura.antioch.edu) and OhioLINK ETD Center (https://etd.ohiolink.edu).

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ORCID: 0009-0009-6304-4696

Bio

Nichole Kain, PhD (she/her), considers aging a privilege, which is not afforded to everyone equally. Her early career focused on adapting homes to meet people’s changing needs with age or disability, and her current research works toward regional and residential climate adaptation strategies to benefit medically vulnerable populations. In addition to her MSc and PhD in environmental studies from Antioch University New England, Kain holds an MA in Gerontology from San Francisco State University and a BSc in Occupational Therapy from Florida Gulf Coast University. She lives with her family in Saint Paul, MN. Learn more about Nichole Kain and download the handouts created through her dissertation research at https://HomeAndPlaceProject.com

Select Publications

Benford, R., Barr, S., Kain, N., & Ratajcyzk, E. (2019, April 1). Colorado Lifelong Homes: A

Review of Barriers and Solutions for Aging in Place. Colorado State University: Institute for the Built Environment. [Collaborative interdisciplinary white paper].

Kain, N. (host) and Rodiek, S. (guest). (2018, April). Access To Nature with Dr Susan Rodiek;

Part 1 and Part 2. Home and Place Podcast. [A selection of Nichole’s podcast archive.] Retrieved from https://www.homeandplaceproject.com/podcast

Kain, N., Donovan, C. J., & Yee-Melichar, D. (2014). Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities.

Chapter 3 in EdD, D. Y.-M., Flores, C. M., & Cabigao, E. P. (2014). Long-Term Care Administration and Management: Effective Practices and Quality Programs in Eldercare. Springer Publishing Company.

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