Impact of extreme temperatures on older adults in the U.S.
Official title: Effects of Extreme Temperature on Aging Populations in the United States: AGeographically Granular Assessment of Present and Future Impacts by Race and Ethnicity
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-11048887 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how very hot or cold weather affects older adults in the U.S., especially those with health issues, and aims to understand how these risks differ among various communities to help keep seniors safe and healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $760,779 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AG084536-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11048887 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include older adults, particularly those aged 65 and above, who may be at higher risk for health issues related to extreme temperatures.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 65 or those without pre-existing health conditions may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how extreme temperatures affect aging populations across the United States, focusing on various socio-demographic and economic factors. By analyzing temperature risks on a detailed geographic scale, the study aims to quantify the health impacts of extreme heat and cold on older adults, particularly those with pre-existing health conditions. The research will utilize census data to understand how these risks vary by race and ethnicity, providing insights into the vulnerabilities faced by different communities. The findings could help inform public health strategies and interventions to protect older adults from temperature-related health risks.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved public health policies and interventions that protect older adults from the adverse effects of extreme temperatures.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have indicated significant health impacts from temperature extremes, suggesting that this research builds on established findings rather than exploring a completely novel area.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Burkart, Katrin Gabriele — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Burkart, Katrin Gabriele
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.