A new study reveals that relying solely on air circulation from electric fans is insufficient to cool the elderly indoors during heatwaves. Researchers from Griffith University in Australia published a report in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), stating that a study involving 18 adults aged between 65 and 72 found that the use of electric fans had minimal impact on peak core body temperature in a simulated extreme heatwave condition within a controlled climate chamber.
Many elderly individuals prefer to withstand heatwaves in the comfort of their homes. In the absence of air conditioning, the use of pedestal fans has long been advised as one of the strategies to stay cool at home. Fans work by enhancing the evaporation of sweat, speeding up heat loss, and reducing core body temperature.
However, this research based on biophysical modeling suggests that when the ambient temperature exceeds 91 degrees Fahrenheit, fans may not provide adequate cooling, especially for elderly individuals with lower sweating efficiency.
The study results indicate that compared to a control group without fan airflow, slower airflow had no significant impact on core temperature, blood pressure, fluid consumption, or thermal comfort. While faster airflow improved people's perception of thermal comfort, from a biophysical perspective, there was no significant improvement in core body temperature.
Study Suggests Electric Fans Insufficient for Cooling Elderly During Heatwaves
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