Abstract
Heat disorders in the elderly can be potentially fatal, making the prevention of heat disorders in residences for the elderly an urgent cause for action. The purpose of this study was to clarify (1) the actual thermal environment in residences during the summer, (2) the consciousness and behavior necessary for the prevention of heat disorders and (3) the resident’s temperature recognition.
(1) We measured the indoor temperature and relative humidity values in five rooms in 74 residences. The results of the measurements showed that the indoor temperatures reached dangerous levels, high enough that residents might show heat disorders. (2) In regard to the consciousness related to the prevention of heat disorders, 77.3% of the residents showed a high level of concern. The rate of measures or actions taken to prevent heat disorders were “Water supply” (96.0%), “Cool clothes” (69.3%) and “Air conditioner use” (42.7%). (3) We also surveyed the residents to determine whether they knew the exact indoor temperature. Before temperature recognition, the correlation of the actual survey temperature and expected temperature showed that the residents were not able to recognize temperature correctly. The residents showed an interest and they took heat prevention measures, but their knowledge was not related to an improvement in the hot temperature environment.
“Air conditioner use” was increased in 60.0% of the residents after recognition of the sensory temperature. These results suggested the possibility that recognition of the sensory temperature (visualization of the indoor temperature) could be effective for the prevention of heat disorders in the elderly. In summary, the results of this study may be useful in preventing heat disorders.
