Understanding how older adults adapt to heat at night in urban environments
Official title: Adaptation to nighttime indoor heat exposure: the role of the built environment and behavioral factors
Funded at Temple Univ of the Commonwealth · NIH-11011448 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how older adults handle hot nights in cities and what helps them stay comfortable, so we can find better ways to keep them safe during heat waves.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Temple Univ of the Commonwealth NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | January 16, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $193,747 |
| NIH project number | 5R21ES035188-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11011448 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 65 and above living in urban areas who may be vulnerable to heat exposure.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 65 or those living in rural areas may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how older adults cope with heat exposure during nighttime in urban settings, focusing on the influence of their living environment and personal behaviors. It aims to identify the factors that affect how well individuals adapt to high indoor temperatures, particularly during heat waves. By examining the built environment and individual adaptation behaviors, the study seeks to develop strategies to enhance resilience against climate-related health risks. The research will involve community engagement to ensure that the findings are relevant and beneficial to those affected.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for protecting older adults from heat-related health issues, enhancing their overall well-being.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding environmental and behavioral factors can significantly improve adaptation strategies for vulnerable populations during extreme weather events.
Where this research is happening
-
Temple Univ of the Commonwealth
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Han, Inkyu — Temple Univ of the Commonwealth
- Study coordinator: Han, Inkyu
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.