Adaptive Comfort for the Elderly in Indoor Environments: Influence of Multi-Domain Interaction and Individual Characteristics

This study systematically reviewed existing research to understand how multi-domain indoor environmental interactions (thermal, acoustics, visual, and indoor air quality) impact the adaptive comfort of the elderly, considering their individual characteristics like age, health status, and socio-economic background. The review found that older adults' adaptive comfort is influenced by both individual factors and the combined effects of the four comfort domains, which may lead to additive or compensatory effects of varying degrees, shaping their prioritized responses and environmental behaviors. The study highlights the need for an adaptive comfort framework that integrates personalisation analysis, longitudinal studies, and controlled experiments with multiple environmental variables to explore how older adults actively adapt to complex indoor environments. This work will support the creation of inclusive and energy-efficient building designs that enhance comfort, health, and well-being for the elderly.