Indoor overheating and wellbeing of elders in tropics: an analysis of thermal comfort and skin temperature profiles

Abstract

Global warming affects health and well-being of ageing population in hot climates of South Asia. Increasing ambient temperatures promote uncomfortable interiors. Thus, ensuring optimal thermal conditions is becoming increasingly challenging. The study focuses on indoor thermal exposure of elders living in tropical urban setting. Field investigation assessed thermal conditions of elderly residents and physical characteristics of their houses in Mattakuliya, Sri Lanka. Parameters for personal exposure assessment were measured on 100 elders and a questionnaire survey collected subjective feedback on thermal comfort. The calculated Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) and infrared thermal images were used to assess the thermal comfort of elders. Objective measurements and survey responses enabled a holistic evaluation of their thermal conditions. The findings reveal, elders are living in over-heated houses (PMV 3) and their skin temperatures are high, in the range of 33°C to 39°C. Furthermore, they are ageing with non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol. Extreme heat causes adverse impacts by exacerbating symptoms and complications. Synergized evidence-based investigation of infrared thermography and PMV is an effective approach to assess thermal comfort. It facilitates in deriving appropriate interventions to improve well-being and mitigate health risks associated with over-heated interiors of ageing in place.