Scientists have created a new “smart” vest designed to help protect older adults from hypothermia, a dangerous drop in body temperature that can become life-threatening if not treated quickly.
The research was led by Dr. Theo Hughes-Riley from the Advanced Textiles Research Group at Nottingham Trent University.
The team developed a textile vest that looks and feels like a normal garment but contains tiny temperature sensors woven directly into the fabric.
As people age, they become more vulnerable to cold temperatures. Older adults tend to lose body heat more quickly and may not regulate their body temperature as effectively as younger people.
Chronic illnesses, certain medications, frailty, and living alone can further increase the risk. Hypothermia can develop gradually, and symptoms such as confusion or drowsiness may prevent someone from realizing they are in danger.
The smart vest is designed to monitor these risks in real time. It contains four miniature thermistors, each just 1 millimeter long and half a millimeter wide. These tiny sensors are embedded inside the yarn of the vest and cannot be felt by the wearer. Two sensors are placed on the chest and two on the upper back near the shoulder blades, areas that provide reliable temperature readings.
The thermistors measure temperature changes by detecting shifts in electrical resistance. As body temperature rises or falls, the resistance changes accordingly. The sensors are carefully calibrated so the data can be used to estimate the wearer’s core body temperature.
The sensors connect to a small microcontroller that sends data wirelessly via Bluetooth to a smartphone or other device. If the system detects unusual or sustained drops in temperature, it could send an alert to caregivers, family members, or healthcare providers. This early warning system could allow help to arrive before the condition becomes severe.
To ensure the vest works in everyday life, researchers tested the prototype during normal activities such as sitting, walking, jumping, and reaching. The vest performed reliably, and the collected data revealed distinct patterns of temperature change that may help identify abnormal responses before they turn dangerous.
The sensors are sealed in resin and protected by a polyester braid, making the vest fully washable and durable. Because the electronics are built directly into the textile, the garment remains comfortable and practical for daily use.
The researchers believe that combining smart textile technology with ordinary clothing could transform how health risks are monitored at home. For elderly people who live alone, especially during colder months, the vest could provide an extra layer of protection and peace of mind.
By turning clothing into a health-monitoring tool, this innovation shows how wearable technology can move beyond fitness tracking and potentially save lives.
