Elderly People’s Perceptions of Heat Stress and Adaptation to Heat: An Interview Study

Anna Malmquist, Mattias Hjerpe, Erik Glaas, Hulda Karlsson-Larsson and Tina Lassi
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Anna Malmquist: Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning, Linköping University, SE-581 83 Linköping, Sweden
Mattias Hjerpe: Department of Thematic Studies—Environmental Change, Center for Climate Science and Policy Research, Linköping University, SE-581 83 Linköping, Sweden
Erik Glaas: Department of Thematic Studies—Environmental Change, Center for Climate Science and Policy Research, Linköping University, SE-581 83 Linköping, Sweden
Hulda Karlsson-Larsson: Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning, Linköping University, SE-581 83 Linköping, Sweden
Tina Lassi: Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning, Linköping University, SE-581 83 Linköping, Sweden

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 7, 1-13

Abstract: Objectives: Heatwaves are having a disproportionate impact on the elderly population, as demonstrated by pronounced mortality and morbidity. The present study aimed to explore elders’ subjective experiences of heat impacts and adaptive strategies. Methods: Semi-structured interviews with 19 elderly Swedes were conducted, focusing on their experiences of the extremely hot summer of 2018. Results: Most informants suffered during the heatwave, although some found it pleasant. The readiness to implement adaptive measures was generally high among the healthiest, who were able to avoid excessive heat and adjust their daily routines. In contrast, those highly dependent on care from others had limited options for avoiding the heat, and little capacity to take up adaptive measures. Discussion: With heat becoming an increasing problem, it is important to adjust elderly care so that the most vulnerable elderly people can avoid excessive heat exposure.

Keywords: heat; heatwave; elder; elderly care; perceptions; adaptation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (5)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:7:p:3775-:d:776901

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