Prof. Tracy Chippendale reflects on her journey as a clinician-scientist working with older adults, and how their experiences shaped her commitment to aging in place, the role of mobility and public space in health equity, and why sustainability must include safe neighborhoods, parks, and transportation systems.
Lina: You mentioned that the sustainability aspect of your work focuses on promoting aging in place through safe and inclusive public transportation, public parks, and neighborhoods. What inspired you to explore these intersections between health, mobility, and sustainable urban environments?
Prof. Chippendale: As a clinician-scientist in occupational therapy, I have learned a great deal from the older adult clients and research participants that I have worked with over the years. This includes the fact that while a safe and accessible home environment is important, so is a safe and accessible neighborhood environment.
Lina: Public spaces and transportation systems are often designed without older adults in mind. From your research, what are some key design or policy changes that could make these environments more age-friendly and inclusive?
Prof. Chippendale: With regard to public transportation, my colleagues and I examined the safety of public buses for older adults, focusing on neighborhoods with large concentrations of older adults. Findings from this study suggest policy and practice changes may be warranted to improve safety. Examples include revised bus routes to accommodate longer stops, staffing needs related to directing passengers and safe storage of walking aids, and designated seats in areas away from those areas of the bus designated for wheelchair users.
Lina: Sustainability is also about resilience, helping communities adapt to change while ensuring equity and inclusion. How can occupational therapy contribute to building resilient, age-inclusive communities?
Prof. Chippendale: Occupational therapists address people’s ability to participate in daily life activities that are meaningful to them. We focus on the individual, including their physical, cognitive and psychosocial functioning, but also on their environment. In addition to providing services for people after an injury or following the onset of a health condition, we are also skilled in health promotion and prevention. This includes partnering with our clients to develop the skills and secure the resources needed to promote physical, emotional, and mental resilience.
Lina: You teach courses on geriatric evaluation and lifespan performance. How do you bring sustainability and equity into your classroom discussions with future occupational therapists?
Prof. Chippendale: One aspect of occupational therapy practice is emergency preparedness. In the geriatrics practice course, students learn about partnering with older adults to help them prepare and plan for an emergency, such as a hurricane.
Lina: Looking ahead, what projects or collaborations are you most excited about in advancing sustainable and inclusive environments for aging populations?
Prof. Chippendale: I recently completed a study with colleagues that examined environmental risks, resources, and strategy use for safe community mobility in rural areas. The study findings suggest needed policy and practice changes to increase the safety of older adults in rural communities. I am currently working on a study looking at the safety of public parks, with a focus on urban neighborhoods where there is a large concentration of older adults.
Lina: Finally, what advice would you give to students who want to bridge health sciences, design, and sustainability in their future careers?
Prof. Chippendale: Consider the profession of occupational therapy! I have been an occupational therapist for 30 years now and have never regretted my choice of a profession. It is both an art and a science. It allows for creativity, but is also rooted in science and guided by research evidence.
