New research from the University of Ottawa suggests that older adults may experience ongoing physiological stress during prolonged heat waves, even when indoor temperatures are cooled overnight to 26°C. In a simulated three-day heat wave, researchers found that while core body temperatures stabilized, participants still showed signs of cardiovascular strain, lower blood pressure, elevated kidney stress markers, and declines in balance and cognitive performance.
The study, published in The Lancet Planetary Health, monitored adults aged 67 to 84 in controlled indoor environments designed to mimic real-world heat wave conditions. Researchers observed that overnight cooling helped participants recover, but not completely. Some indicators of stress, including kidney strain and lower morning blood pressure, persisted into subsequent days.
The findings highlight the growing risks of extreme heat for older persons and suggest that recommended indoor temperature thresholds should be viewed as measures to reduce risk rather than guarantee protection. Researchers and health experts also emphasized the need for improved housing conditions and heat preparedness strategies, particularly for older adults who may have underlying health conditions or limited access to air conditioning.
Read more about the study and its implications for healthy aging and heat resilience.
