Monthly survey of the thermal environments in daily life during the summer months for the prevention of heat-related disorders in the elderly

Abstract

To examine monthly variations in the thermal environment of elderly people during summer daily life, the air temperature and humidity indoors and outdoors in the surroundings of elderly people and young females, their individual clothing climates and daily activities were recorded for three days every month from May to October. From July to September, the elderly people lived with higher indoor air temperatures and humidity than the young females due to their higher room temperature under air conditioning. Therefore, in an effort to prevent heat disorders among elderly people indoors, we recommend that air conditioning be set to maintain a lower room temperature than at present, not only in August when air temperature is particularly high, but also during and after the hot and humid rainy season in July.