A groundbreaking study has found a significant relationship between indoor temperatures and cognitive performance in older adults. Conducted by scientists at the Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research, the research arm of Hebrew SeniorLife, a nonprofit affiliate of Harvard Medical School, the study monitored home temperatures and self-reported attention difficulties in 47 adults aged 65 and older over the course of a year.
The findings suggest that even current climate conditions are placing older adults at risk, with many experiencing indoor temperatures that may impair their cognitive abilities. The researchers found that older adults reported the least difficulty maintaining attention when their home temperatures were within 68-75°F (20-24°C). Outside of this range, the likelihood of attention difficulties doubled with a 7°F (4°C) variation in either direction.
The study’s lead author, Amir Baniassadi, Ph.D., notes that the findings underscore the importance of understanding how environmental factors, like indoor temperature, impact cognitive health in aging populations. The researchers emphasize the need for public health interventions and housing policies that prioritize climate resilience for older adults, particularly for low-income and underserved populations who may have fewer resources to regulate their home environments.
The study’s implications are concerning, as global temperatures rise and ensure access to temperature-controlled environments will be crucial for protecting cognitive well-being. Potential solutions include integrating smart home technologies to optimize indoor temperatures, improving energy efficiency in housing, and expanding access to cooling resources.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-01-links-home-temperature-cognitive-function.html