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Elderly People’s Perceptions of Heat Stress and Adaptation to Heat: An Interview Study

Author

Listed:
  • Anna Malmquist

    (Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning, Linköping University, SE-581 83 Linköping, Sweden)

  • Mattias Hjerpe

    (Department of Thematic Studies—Environmental Change, Center for Climate Science and Policy Research, Linköping University, SE-581 83 Linköping, Sweden)

  • Erik Glaas

    (Department of Thematic Studies—Environmental Change, Center for Climate Science and Policy Research, Linköping University, SE-581 83 Linköping, Sweden)

  • Hulda Karlsson-Larsson

    (Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning, Linköping University, SE-581 83 Linköping, Sweden)

  • Tina Lassi

    (Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning, Linköping University, SE-581 83 Linköping, Sweden)

Abstract

Objectives: Heatwaves are having a disproportionate impact on the elderly population, as demonstrated by pronounced mortality and morbidity. The present study aimed to explore elders’ subjective experiences of heat impacts and adaptive strategies. Methods: Semi-structured interviews with 19 elderly Swedes were conducted, focusing on their experiences of the extremely hot summer of 2018. Results: Most informants suffered during the heatwave, although some found it pleasant. The readiness to implement adaptive measures was generally high among the healthiest, who were able to avoid excessive heat and adjust their daily routines. In contrast, those highly dependent on care from others had limited options for avoiding the heat, and little capacity to take up adaptive measures. Discussion: With heat becoming an increasing problem, it is important to adjust elderly care so that the most vulnerable elderly people can avoid excessive heat exposure.

Suggested Citation

  • Anna Malmquist & Mattias Hjerpe & Erik Glaas & Hulda Karlsson-Larsson & Tina Lassi, 2022. "Elderly People’s Perceptions of Heat Stress and Adaptation to Heat: An Interview Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(7), pages 1-13, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:7:p:3775-:d:776901
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mengmeng Li & Shaohua Gu & Peng Bi & Jun Yang & Qiyong Liu, 2015. "Heat Waves and Morbidity: Current Knowledge and Further Direction-A Comprehensive Literature Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 12(5), pages 1-28, May.
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    3. Ana Raquel Nunes, 2018. "The contribution of assets to adaptation to extreme temperatures among older adults," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 13(11), pages 1-19, November.
    4. Diane Bélanger & Pierre Gosselin & Pierre Valois & Belkacem Abdous, 2014. "Perceived Adverse Health Effects of Heat and Their Determinants in Deprived Neighbourhoods: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Nine Cities in Canada," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 11(11), pages 1-26, October.
    5. Joacim Rocklöv & Bertil Forsberg, 2010. "The Effect of High Ambient Temperature on the Elderly Population in Three Regions of Sweden," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 7(6), pages 1-13, June.
    6. Susanne Kelfve & Deborah Carr, 2019. "Underestimated Health Inequalities Among Older People—A Consequence of Excluding the Most Disabled and Disadvantaged," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 74(8), pages 125-134.
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    Cited by:

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    2. Kun Hing Yong & Yen Nee Teo & Mohsen Azadbakht & Hai Phung & Cordia Chu, 2023. "The Scorching Truth: Investigating the Impact of Heatwaves on Selangor’s Elderly Hospitalisations," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(10), pages 1-13, May.
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    4. Barun Mukhopadhyay & Charles A. Weitz, 2022. "Heat Exposure, Heat-Related Symptoms and Coping Strategies among Elderly Residents of Urban Slums and Rural Vilages in West Bengal, India," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(19), pages 1-20, September.

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