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Ten questions concerning thermal comfort and ageing
AbstractThis ‘10 Questions’ contribution provides an overview of thermal comfort in relation to ageing and the way the indoor environment can contribute to and improve well-being and health of older adults to age-in-place. The number of older people is increasing rapidly and these demographical changes put a large stress on the health care system. Furthermore, as most older people wish to age-in-place, adequate ageing-in-place strategies become significantly important. Housing impacts health, therefore appropriate and comfortable housing is a key determinant to facilitate older people to age-in-place. One of the aspects of concern is thermal comfort; however, the thermal requirements of older people differ from those of young adults. They are also relatively vulnerable to thermal conditions outside the generally accepted range. This ’10 Questions' contribution addresses issues related to thermal comfort and ageing and argues that the current models for assessing thermal comfort are not sufficiently accurate to be used for older adults. It also discusses approaches to facilitate ageing-in-place including the use of smart home technologies. The paper is based on extensive literature review of numerous relevant studies relating to thermal comfort, physiological differences between older and younger people, the relationship between thermal environment, comfort and health, as well as housing design and smart home technologies for older people.
HighlightsCurrent thermal comfort models are not sufficiently accurate to be used for older adults.Adaptation or options of personal control among older people may be limited in comparison with young adults.Financial limitations in older people may lead to suboptimal living conditions and may lead to morbidity and mortality.Smart homes and training older people to use technology may lead to a reduced need for energy for heating and cooling.
Ten questions concerning thermal comfort and ageing
AbstractThis ‘10 Questions’ contribution provides an overview of thermal comfort in relation to ageing and the way the indoor environment can contribute to and improve well-being and health of older adults to age-in-place. The number of older people is increasing rapidly and these demographical changes put a large stress on the health care system. Furthermore, as most older people wish to age-in-place, adequate ageing-in-place strategies become significantly important. Housing impacts health, therefore appropriate and comfortable housing is a key determinant to facilitate older people to age-in-place. One of the aspects of concern is thermal comfort; however, the thermal requirements of older people differ from those of young adults. They are also relatively vulnerable to thermal conditions outside the generally accepted range. This ’10 Questions' contribution addresses issues related to thermal comfort and ageing and argues that the current models for assessing thermal comfort are not sufficiently accurate to be used for older adults. It also discusses approaches to facilitate ageing-in-place including the use of smart home technologies. The paper is based on extensive literature review of numerous relevant studies relating to thermal comfort, physiological differences between older and younger people, the relationship between thermal environment, comfort and health, as well as housing design and smart home technologies for older people.
HighlightsCurrent thermal comfort models are not sufficiently accurate to be used for older adults.Adaptation or options of personal control among older people may be limited in comparison with young adults.Financial limitations in older people may lead to suboptimal living conditions and may lead to morbidity and mortality.Smart homes and training older people to use technology may lead to a reduced need for energy for heating and cooling.
Ten questions concerning thermal comfort and ageing
van Hoof, J. (author) / Schellen, L. (author) / Soebarto, V. (author) / Wong, J.K.W. (author) / Kazak, J.K. (author)
Building and Environment ; 120 ; 123-133
2017-05-08
11 pages
Article (Journal)
Electronic Resource
English
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