Understanding how heat affects older adults
Identification of Critical Thermal Environments for Aged Adults
This study looks at how very hot weather affects older adults, especially those 65 and up, to find out what heat levels are risky for them and to come up with helpful ways to keep them safe during heat waves.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State University, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (University Park, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10791762 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how extreme heat environments impact older adults, particularly those aged 65 and over. It aims to identify critical thermal conditions that pose risks to this vulnerable population and to develop effective interventions to mitigate these risks. By studying the physiological responses of older individuals to various heat conditions, the research seeks to provide actionable insights for public health policies and safety measures during heat events. The findings will help create evidence-based alerts and guidelines to protect older adults from heat-related illnesses.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 65 and older who may be at risk of heat stress during extreme weather events.
Not a fit: Patients younger than 65 or those without any heat sensitivity issues may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved safety measures and interventions that protect older adults from heat-related health issues.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in understanding heat stress impacts on various populations, but this specific focus on older adults in extreme environments is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
University Park, United States
- Pennsylvania State University, the — University Park, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kenney, W. Larry — Pennsylvania State University, the
- Study coordinator: Kenney, W. Larry
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 below.