Energy Costs, Social Isolation Contribute to Health Risk of Older Adults in Extreme Weather

A study by the University of Warwick published in PLoS One found the cost of heating and cooling the home, and increasing social isolation, are significant factors in health risk of older adults during extreme weather, reports News-Medical . Moreover, poor understanding of the dangers of extreme heat or cold also influences how well older adults cope with adverse weather conditions. "The findings of this research are comparable to that in the U.K., France, U.S., New Zealand, and internationally that also found that low educational levels, low income, lack of mobility, lack of housing insulation, and weak social networks had adverse consequences on older adults' ability to respond to extreme temperatures," says Warwick's Raquel Nunes. "We show that the vast majority of older adults face restrictions in availability and access to assets that impact on their ability to respond to extreme temperatures. Despite this, participants in this research revealed a range of opportunities for enhancing their adaptation strategies, drawing on assets that they would welcome." Participants with the lowest literacy and with a poor understanding of what to do during hot or cold weather preferred personalized advice from specialists over general advice such as leaflets or information in the media. Social interaction with family, neighbors, and services were seen as a "lifeline" as their advice was perceived as more trustworthy. "Local and community organizations and institutions would be most appropriate to implement adaptation measures, as they are closer and more accessible to older people," Nunes concludes.