The kitchen is often a focal point within the domestic home; comprising social, psychological and physical elements. 'Transitions in Kitchen Living' aims to examine the role, function and design of the kitchen as it affects the lives of older people living in domestic and supportive housing in both urban and rural locations. A cross-generational perspective will focus on historical and contemporary aspects of kitchen life - through biographical, ergonomic and visual research. The research will be grounded in secondary analysis of two existing data sets:  the EPSRC EQUAL funded 'Profiling the Housing Stock for Older People' and the ESRC funded 'Environment and Identity in Later Life'. A purposive sample of 48 older people will then participate in focussed research through in-depth oral histories of kitchen living, consideration of individual health and well-being, and ergonomic assessment of present kitchens capturing opinion and behaviour. Findings from this research will contribute to the oral history of kitchen living; provide greater understanding of person/environment fit in terms of individual morale; and lead to more inclusive design through the development of an on-line resource where the voices, experiences and actions of older people will enhance existing guidance on kitchen design.