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Heat Perception and Coping Strategies: A Structured Interview-Based Study of Elderly People in Cologne, Germany

Author

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  • Juliane Kemen

    (GeoHealth Centre, Institute for Hygiene and Public Health, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany)

  • Silvia Schäffer-Gemein

    (GeoHealth Centre, Institute for Hygiene and Public Health, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany)

  • Johanna Grünewald

    (Environmental Planning and Prevention, The Environmental and Consumer Protection Office of Cologne City Council, Willy-Brandt-Platz 2, 50679 Köln, Germany
    Department of Environment and Sustainability, Division of Climate Adaptation and Sustainable Land Use, German Aerospace Center Project Management Agency, Heinrich-Konen-Straße 1, 53227 Bonn, Germany)

  • Thomas Kistemann

    (GeoHealth Centre, Institute for Hygiene and Public Health, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany
    Department of Geography, University of Bonn, Meckenheimer Allee 166, 53115 Bonn, Germany
    Center for Development Research, University of Bonn, Genscherallee 3, 53113 Bonn, Germany)

Abstract

The transdisciplinary project “Heat-Health Action Plan for Elderly People in Cologne” addresses the most heat-vulnerable risk group, people over 65 years of age. A quantitative study aimed to better understand heat perception and coping strategies of elderly people during heat waves to inform heat-health action plans. We conducted a representative quantitative survey via structured interviews with 258 randomly chosen people over 65 years old, living in their own homes in four areas of Cologne, Germany. These areas varied, both in terms of social status and heat strain. Data regarding demographics, health status, coping strategies, and heat perception were collected in personal interviews from August to October 2019. The majority of the participants perceived heat strain as moderate to very challenging. Women, people with a lower monthly income, and those with a lower health status found the heat more challenging. We found that participants adapted to heat with a number of body-related, home-protective, and activity-related coping strategies. The number of coping strategies was associated with perceived personal heat strain. There is a definite underuse of water-related heat adaption strategies among the elderly. This is of increasing relevance, as rising heat impact will lead to more heat-related geriatric morbidity. Our results are seminal to inform elderly-specific, socio-adapted local heat-health action plans.

Suggested Citation

  • Juliane Kemen & Silvia Schäffer-Gemein & Johanna Grünewald & Thomas Kistemann, 2021. "Heat Perception and Coping Strategies: A Structured Interview-Based Study of Elderly People in Cologne, Germany," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(14), pages 1-19, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:14:p:7495-:d:594037
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Monika Nitschke & Antoinette Krackowizer & Alana L. Hansen & Peng Bi & Graeme R. Tucker, 2017. "Heat Health Messages: A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Preventative Messages Tool in the Older Population of South Australia," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(9), pages 1-10, August.
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    5. Monika Nitschke & Alana Hansen & Peng Bi & Dino Pisaniello & Jonathan Newbury & Alison Kitson & Graeme Tucker & Jodie Avery & Eleonora Dal Grande, 2013. "Risk Factors, Health Effects and Behaviour in Older People during Extreme Heat: A Survey in South Australia," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 10(12), pages 1-13, December.
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