Current

Heat exposure, adaptation, and functional independence among older adults

This study explores how hot weather affects older adults’ bodies, daily activities, and social connections. It also looks at how people adapt—through personal strategies and support from others—to stay independent in the heat, and whether these patterns differ depending on where they live. 

Developing a Smart Speaker-Based System for In-Home Loneliness Assessment for Older Adults

This project develops an in-home technology system (called “HomePal”) to automatically assess loneliness risks among community-dwelling older adults. We will use digital data extracted from smart speakers and passive sensing devices to develop and validate multi-class machine learning models. 

Interactive Voice-Assisted Self-Management Systems for Low-Income Older Adults

More than two-thirds of older adults have chronic diseases that can lead to complications, death, and higher costs if poorly managed. This is particularly true among socially-economically vulnerable older adults who have memory issues. We will implement an interactive voice-assisted self-management system in homes of low-income older adults with cognitive impairment and test how this system helps improve self-management behaviors.