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This study seeks to investigate how lifetime home standards (LTHS) and lifetime homes can become more inclusive of the needs of visually impaired people in the context of Northern Ireland (N!). The research aims to contribute to architectural knowledge and investigates the experiences of key stakeholders, including visually impaired building users, on the subject of lifetime homes. LTHS consist of sixteen design standards that aim to reduce the need to adapt the home as its occupants grow older. It has become apparent in the course of this study, that the requirements of building users with visual impairment are not sufficiently accommodated within LTHS, with the research instead suggesting that their focus to date concentrates primarily on aiding those with mobility impairment. A mixed method research approach is utilised comprising qualitative methodologies underpinned by Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis and on-site surveys. The research demonstrates that lifetime homes in NI could become more inclusive of visually impaired people by improving the allocation process, the increased use of Post-Occupancy Evaluations (POEs) and the design of housing in NI. Although findings generally indicate that LTHS have a positive effect on occupants' lives, it is clear that there are also housing allocation and design challenges. Subsequently, changes are recommended for practice with a view to improving the inclusiveness of lifetime homes in the context of this thesis. The research establishes a requirement to revise existing space standards and current Department of Social Development policies which contradict L THS. This study also proposes future research to revise the existing Evolve-for Vision 9hecklist and to integrate it alongside current LTHS to introduce a more effective POE tool. The implications of these findings demonstrate the need for policy makers, sensory support teams and architects to make changes in practice to meet the needs of visually impaired people in the home.

Increasing evidence has suggested that dietary consumption may have the potential to influence mental health. However, few experimental studies have examined the effect of polyphenol-rich foods on psychological health. Furthermore, minimal studies exist on consumer attitudes towards polyphenol-rich foods. Thus, the main aims of this thesis were to investigate the effect of polyphenol-rich foods (FV, berries and dark chocolate) on psychological health, and to examine the behaviours, attitudes and knowledge consumers have with regards to the consumption of these foods. Firstly, results from a systematic review suggested that current evidence surrounding fruit and vegetables (FV) and psychological well-being is inconclusive. The review highlighted the need for future randomised controlled trials to investigate the relationship further. Secondly, a randomised controlled trial (PPhIT) showed mixed findings with regards to the effect of an eight week polyphenol-rich dietary pattern (FV, berries and dark chocolate) on psychological health. Improvements were observed for certain outcomes, including depressed mood and mental health (quality of life), but not for others (e.g. self-esteem and body-image). The dietary intervention led to significant increases in nutritional biomarkers, indicating good participant compliance. Overall, participants showed favourable attitudes towards the polyphenol-rich diet. Whilst a number of barriers towards the study diet foods were detected at baseline, the intervention significantly reduced some of these (e.g. ease, willingness, awareness). Similarly, a second ReT (n=30 adults), highlighted various barriers and facilitators towards FV consumption. However, in contrast to PPhIT, the four week intervention did not significantly modify these. This study also detected a lack of knowledge regarding what constitutes a portion of FV. The inconsistent findings from this thesis surrounding the effect of polyphenol-rich foods on psychological health suggest further research is warranted. Future research on the capacity for dietary interventions to reduce barriers towards polyphenol-rich foods may also be of value.