Carlo , Robyn and Vinod are discussing the impact that the absence of suitable seating and poorly designed seating has on older adults in public places. The public seating project identified poor design, the coping behaviours of older adults needed and the impact that poor seating has on people with physical limitations and on their social identity.
An audit tool was devised to gather data, to understand the problem and to inform the guidance that can be provided to those designing public spaces, local government and manufacturers.
The significance of this work includes the understanding that  older adults need to be independent and this can be affected by features of the environment. We are living longer and being part of the community and socialising and living well is enabled with well designed public seating.

Associate Professor Carlo Caponecchia is a Senior Lecturer at UNSW, Associate Dean Equity Diversity and Inclusion, in the Faculty of Science UNSW.
Dr Robyn Coman is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Wollongong, a Physiotherapist and Ergonomist.
Vinod Gopaldasani is the Associate Dean (Global Engagement), Director of the Centre for Occupational Public and Environment Research in Safety and Health and Head of Discipline OHS at the University of Wollongong.

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