A recent study has found that the temperature inside a home can affect how well older adults focus and think. Researchers discovered that when indoor temperatures were too hot or too cold, older adults had more trouble paying attention.
The study was done by scientists from the Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research, which is part of Hebrew SeniorLife and connected to Harvard Medical School. It looked at how temperature affects brain function in older people, especially as climate change makes extreme temperatures more common.
The Impact of Temperature on Focus
The research showed that older adults had the easiest time focusing when their home temperature stayed between 68–75°F (20–24°C). However, when the temperature moved outside this range—either too warm or too cold—their attention problems doubled. Just a 7°F (4°C) change made a big difference.
This means that keeping a stable indoor temperature is important for brain health in aging adults.
How the Study Was Done
The researchers followed 47 adults aged 65 and older for one year. They recorded the temperatures in their homes and asked participants how often they struggled to focus.
The findings, published in the Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences, suggest that even today’s indoor temperatures can already be a problem for many older adults. Some live in homes that are too cold in winter or too hot in summer, which might be affecting their thinking abilities.
Why This Is a Bigger Concern for Some People
The study raises concerns for low-income and underserved groups. Many people in these communities cannot afford air conditioning or heating, making them more vulnerable to extreme indoor temperatures. As global temperatures rise, this issue could get worse, affecting the mental well-being of millions of older adults.
Dr. Amir Baniassadi, the lead author of the study, explained:
“Our findings show that indoor temperature is an important factor for cognitive health in older adults. As climate change continues, we need to make sure they have access to comfortable living conditions to protect their brain function.”
What Can Be Done?
This research adds to past studies showing that temperature can affect sleep and brain function in older people. It also highlights the need for public health policies that help protect older adults from extreme temperatures. Possible solutions include:
- Improving housing policies to make homes better suited for climate changes.
- Increasing access to affordable cooling and heating options for older adults.
- Encouraging smart home technology that automatically adjusts indoor temperatures.
Experts involved in the study, including Dr. Lewis Lipsitz and Dr. Brad Manor, believe that more attention should be given to the mental effects of climate change. Most discussions about rising temperatures focus on physical health risks, but this study shows that the brain is also at risk.
The Bigger Picture
This study is a reminder that climate change isn’t just about the weather—it can also affect how people think and function. Older adults, especially those with limited income, may face more challenges in maintaining a stable home temperature.
To reduce these risks, communities, healthcare providers, and policymakers must work together to ensure that older adults live in safe, temperature-controlled environments.
Although this study was small, its findings match other research showing that extreme temperatures can affect brain health. Taking steps now—such as improving home insulation, making energy more affordable, and educating people about the risks—could help protect older adults from cognitive decline in the future.
For those interested in brain health, other studies suggest that reducing inflammation and maintaining healthy vitamin D levels may also help slow cognitive decline. Research has also found that regular exercise and the MIND diet could support brain function and help prevent dementia.
The full research findings are available in The Journals of Gerontology, Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences.
If you care about dementia, please read studies about low choline intake linked to higher dementia risk, and how eating nuts can affect your cognitive ability.
For more information about brain health, please see recent studies that blueberry supplements may prevent cognitive decline, and results showing higher magnesium intake could help benefit brain health.
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