A Descriptive Qualitative Study of Older Persons and Family Experiences with Extreme Weather Conditions in Northern Thailand

Piyatida Junlapeeya (), Thaworn Lorga, Somporn Santiprasitkul and Asawinee Tonkuriman
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Piyatida Junlapeeya: Department of Community Nursing, School of Nursing, Mae Fah Luang University, Thasud, Mueang Chiang Rai, Chiang Rai 50700, Thailand
Thaworn Lorga: Faculty of Nursing, Chiang Mai Rajabhat University, Mae Hong Son Campus, Pang Mu, Mueang Mae Hong Son, Mae Hong Son 58000, Thailand
Somporn Santiprasitkul: Department of Adult and Elderly Nursing, School of Nursing, Mae Fah Luang University, Thasud, Mueang Chiang Rai, Chiang Rai 50700, Thailand
Asawinee Tonkuriman: Department of Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing, School of Nursing, Mae Fah Luang University, Thasud, Mueang Chiang Rai, Chiang Rai 50700, Thailand

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 12, 1-15

Abstract: Extreme weather can cause ill health in older persons due to a direct thermal effect on the body’s thermoregulation and difficulties in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and accessing the health services they need. To understand experiences in relation to their exposures to extreme weather and how they responded to such weather conditions, including cold snaps, heat and air pollution in northern Thai communities, a descriptive qualitative study was conducted to uncover details and the essence of perspectives and experiences of older persons and family members. Three focus group discussions with 15 older persons and 15 family members occurred in three communities in Chiang Rai, a northern province of Thailand. Thematic analysis was performed. Experiences of older persons and families in relation to extreme weather conditions were described in five themes: local actions against weather changes, the double challenges, awareness and reactions to weather changes, protective and comfortable living environments, and mitigation of the impacts of weather conditions. Seasonal adaptability was key for older persons to stay safe and healthy during extreme weather changes. Heat, cold snaps, and air pollution made health and daily living routine maintenance among older persons challenging, especially among those with declining health. Older persons and families employed predictive and adaptive strategies to avoid and minimise extreme weather impacts and maximise their comfort and optimal living.

Keywords: extreme weather; adaptive ageing; health; focus group (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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