Thermal Control, Weather, and Aging

Abstract

Purpose of the review: The purpose of this review is to highlight the latest developments in the field of weather and health with a focus on the elderly. The current state of knowledge is summarized and open questions and emerging fields of research are discussed.

Recent findings: It is expected that climate change will lead to higher global average surface temperatures and more extreme climatic conditions. Previous studies have shown that non-optimal temperatures are associated with increased morbidity and mortality, specifically in elderly people. Future research fields comprise e.g., synergistic effects between meteorological variables and air pollution; long-term impacts of temperature changes; novel unraveling the underlying pathways using blood biomarkers; the association between temperature and mental health; and urban planning and adaptation processes. Understanding the health impacts associated with changes in thermal conditions requires multidisciplinary approaches. Adaptation processes, as well as improvements in urban planning and warning systems, can help reduce the predicted burden of climate change, especially in the elderly.

Keywords: Aging; Climate; Cold; Health; Heat; Weather.