As the planet gets warmer, scientists are learning that climate change doesn’t just harm our physical health. It can also affect how well our brains work—especially for older adults.
A new study has shown that when indoor temperatures are not kept within a comfortable range, older people may find it harder to focus and think clearly.
This is an important discovery because it shows how even something as simple as the air temperature in your home could make a big difference to your mental abilities.
This study was done by researchers at the Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research, which is part of Hebrew SeniorLife and linked to Harvard Medical School. They followed 47 people aged 65 and older for a full year.
During this time, the researchers kept track of how hot or cold their homes were and also asked the participants how well they could pay attention or stay focused.
The results were clear: people had the least trouble focusing when the temperature in their homes stayed between 68 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, which is about 20 to 24 degrees Celsius.
But when the temperature moved above or below that range by just 7 degrees Fahrenheit (around 4 degrees Celsius), the chances of having trouble paying attention doubled. That means staying in a room that’s too warm or too cold could really affect how well older people think.
This is a big concern, especially for people who don’t have enough money to keep their homes at a steady temperature. Low-income families and older adults who live alone might not be able to afford air conditioning in summer or heating in winter.
As a result, they may spend more time in uncomfortable temperatures that hurt their brain health. And with climate change making heat waves and cold spells more common, this problem could get worse.
Dr. Amir Baniassadi, who led the study, says the results show how important it is to think about indoor temperature when we talk about healthy aging. He believes that as temperatures keep rising across the globe, making sure older adults live in homes with good temperature control should be a top priority.
The research team also included Dr. Lewis Lipsitz, the Director of the Marcus Institute, and Dr. Brad Manor, who is an expert on how aging affects the brain and body.
The findings build on past studies that showed temperature can affect sleep and thinking ability. But this new study shows the effects are already happening now, not just in the future. It calls for real action to protect older adults from the hidden dangers of extreme indoor temperatures.
Experts suggest several ways to help. One is to improve housing rules so buildings are designed to stay comfortable inside, even when it’s very hot or cold outside. Another is to give people better access to energy-efficient heaters and air conditioners. Smart home technology that adjusts the temperature automatically could also help.
This study is a reminder that climate change affects more than just the environment—it also affects our minds. If we want older adults to live well and stay sharp, we need to make sure they live in places that help their brains stay healthy.
If you care about dementia, please read studies about Early heart rhythm problem linked to higher dementia risk and findings of Green leafy vegetables may help reduce Alzheimer’s risk.
For more about dementia, please read studies about Research shows an important cause of frontotemporal dementia and findings of New way to detect Lewy body disease early, a leading cause of dementia.
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