Study Reveals Elderly Women's Heat Stress Vulnerability in Cities
A recent study has shed light on how elderly individuals perceive and cope with urban heat, highlighting the need for better public policies. The research, conducted in cities across Europe, found that women and those with less personal knowledge of heat management were more vulnerable to heat stress.
The study, spanning the summers of 2021 and 2022, involved nearly 50 people and over 2,100 older adults in thermal surveys. It analysed how people over 65 live with urban heat, a vulnerable group to heat stress. Researchers found that women expressed more heat-related bodily experiences and suffered more from heat than men, with greater health difficulties. Personal experiences and knowledge were identified as crucial for managing heat, as each individual's response is unique.
The investigation was conducted in cities such as Vienna in Austria, used as an example for heat development in Central Europe. Additionally, cities representative of Southern Europe were selected for comparison, though specific names were not provided. Madrid and Warsaw were also chosen due to their distinct heat patterns and recent temperature changes. A significant 89% of those surveyed in Madrid and 71% of those in Warsaw stated that climate change affected their daily life.
The study underscores the importance of focusing on the human body in climate change discussions, not just environmental factors like temperature. Recommendations for coping with extreme temperatures include adjusting daily exercise, seeking refuge, and reducing air conditioning use. The findings highlight the need for public policies that address the specific needs of elderly individuals in urban heat management.
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