Development of a heat illness risk nomogram for the elderly

The Earth’s climate is warming and as global temperature rises so does the frequency, severity and duration of heatwaves, presenting a significant health risk to the over 65s. The health risks range from minor heat-related illnesses such as prickly heat (heat rash) to severe life-threatening conditions such as heatstroke. Currently there are around 2000 heat-related deaths in the UK and epidemiological evidence suggests the number of deaths will increase fivefold by 2080.

To reduce the negative impact of climate change on the elderly population, research-informed strategies are needed to keep the elderly safe during periods of hot weather. There is a need for a guide that enables the older population to assess the potential risk of developing a heat illness at various summer temperatures (15°C, 25°C and 35°C) when completing activities of daily living (household chores, gardening and light exercise).

Project timeframe

This research project commenced in October 2016 and ended in March 2017.

Project aims

The aims of this research project are to:

  • develop a user-friendly guide for assessing the risk of developing a heat illness based on activities of daily living and environmental temperature
  • validate a new heat illness susceptibility questionnaire.

Project findings and impact

Findings, outcomes and potential impact for this project included:

  • providing a group of elderly individuals with the opportunity to engage with health, exercise and science research at the °®¶¹´«Ã½, Eastbourne Campus.
  • enabling elderly residents of Eastbourne to take part in physical activity confidently and safely, even in the summer months.
  • providing research-informed evidence for the UK’s Health Alliance on Climate Change which could inform future government policy and contribute to an improved heatwave action plan for the nation’s elderly population.

Research team

Kirsty Waldock (University Studentship Recipient)

Dr Neil Maxwell

Associate Professor Peter Watt

Output

Members of the research team presented at

, The Argus. 29 August 2016

Eastbourne scientists are keeping it cool, Eastbourne Herald. 2 September 2016

, All Together Now online. 20 September 2016

Over-65s chilling out, All Together Now. 2 October 2016

Interview with Kirsty Waldock, BBC Radio Sussex. 29 August 2016

Partners

Eastbourne Leisure Trust part-funded the project (£5,170)