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Boston, MA – A new study has revealed a significant link between indoor temperatures and cognitive function in older adults, raising concerns about the potential impact of climate change on cognitive health.
Researchers at the Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research, affiliated with Harvard Medical School, found that older adults experienced the fewest attention problems when their home temperatures remained within a comfortable range of 68-75°F (20-24°C). However, when temperatures deviated by just 7°F (4°C) above or below this ideal range, the risk of attention difficulties doubled.
The study, published in the Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences, analyzed data from 47 adults aged 65 and older over a year, monitoring their home temperatures and self-reported attention issues. The findings suggest that even current climate conditions may pose a risk to the cognitive health of older adults, particularly those with limited resources to regulate their home environments.
“Our findings underscore the critical importance of understanding how environmental factors, like indoor temperature, can impact cognitive health in aging populations,” said Amir Baniassadi, PhD, lead author of the study. “This research highlights the urgent need for public health interventions and housing policies that prioritize climate resilience for older adults.”
This study adds to growing evidence that the effects of climate change extend beyond physical health and encompass cognitive functioning. Potential solutions to mitigate these risks include:
- Integrating smart home technologies: To optimize indoor temperatures and improve energy efficiency.
- Improving housing energy efficiency: To better regulate indoor temperatures.
- Expanding access to cooling resources: To ensure all older adults have the means to maintain comfortable home temperatures.
This research emphasizes the need for proactive measures to protect the cognitive well-being of older adults as global temperatures continue to rise.
