Home Sensor Study Launch with Interactive Workshop

The COALESCE team welcomed 19 older adult participants and 5 student co-researchers to an engaging in-person workshop marking the launch of the project’s home sensor study phase.

Held at Simon Fraser University Harbour Centre, the workshop brought together participants from across Metro Vancouver and the Lower Mainland for a day focused on learning, discussion, and collaboration. Each participant was paired with a student co-researcher who will continue to support them throughout the 6 month sensor study phase.

The workshop was facilitated by Claire Kieri from RDH Building Science, who guided participants through hands-on learning related to indoor air quality, environmental monitoring, and sensor setup using the Atmotube PRO2 devices.

Participants learned:

• How the sensors work and what they measure
• How to set up the devices and smart device app
• How to understand changing air quality readings and practical actions to improve it
• How environmental conditions inside and outside the home can affect well-being

The workshop was highly interactive and energetic, with participants actively sharing experiences, asking thoughtful questions, and engaging in discussions about climate change, healthy homes, and aging. Conversations reflected strong curiosity about how everyday activities and environmental conditions can influence indoor air quality and overall health.

A major highlight of the event was the strong sense of connection and collaboration between older adults, student researchers, and the project team. The workshop created opportunities for shared learning, relationship-building, and open discussion as participants prepared to begin the next phase of the COALESCE project together.

The home sensor study will continue over the coming months as participants collect indoor air quality data and contribute to community-driven research focused on climate resilience, healthy homes, and aging well in a changing climate.