Many people think about healthy food, exercise, and sleep when they try to protect their brain as they grow older.
However, scientists are now discovering that something much simpler may also matter a lot: the temperature inside the home. A new scientific study suggests that if a home is too hot or too cold, older adults may find it harder to think clearly and stay focused.
The research was carried out by scientists from the Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research. This institute is part of Hebrew SeniorLife and is connected with Harvard Medical School in the United States. The researchers wanted to understand how everyday living conditions inside the home affect the brain health of older adults.
As people age, their bodies often become more sensitive to environmental changes. Older adults may have more difficulty adjusting to temperature changes than younger people.
Their bodies may not regulate heat or cold as efficiently, and many also live with health conditions that make them more vulnerable to environmental stress. Because older adults spend a large amount of time inside their homes, the indoor environment becomes very important for their well‑being.
In this study, the scientists focused on one specific question: how does the temperature inside a home affect a person’s ability to pay attention and stay mentally sharp? Attention is an important part of brain function. It helps people concentrate, follow conversations, make decisions, and complete daily tasks.
The researchers followed 47 adults who were aged 65 years or older. All of them lived independently in their own homes in the community. The study lasted for one full year.
During this time, the scientists monitored the temperature inside the participants’ homes using sensors. At the same time, the participants regularly reported whether they experienced difficulties focusing or paying attention.
After analyzing the data, the scientists noticed a clear pattern. Older adults reported the fewest attention problems when their homes stayed within a comfortable temperature range. The best temperature range was between 68 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, which is about 20 to 24 degrees Celsius.
When the indoor temperature moved outside this range, problems began to appear more often. The researchers found that the risk of attention difficulties doubled every time the temperature changed by about 7 degrees Fahrenheit away from the ideal range. In other words, both colder homes and hotter homes were linked to more trouble concentrating.
This finding suggests that the brain works best when the body feels comfortable and does not need to struggle to adjust to extreme temperatures. If a home becomes too warm or too cold, the body may use extra energy to regulate temperature, which could affect mental performance.
The study is titled “Home Ambient Temperature and Self‑reported Attention in Community‑Dwelling Older Adults.” The research results were published in the scientific journal The Journals of Gerontology, Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences. This journal focuses on research about aging and health.
The researchers also pointed out that this issue may become more important in the future because of climate change. As global temperatures rise, extreme heat events are becoming more common in many parts of the world.
At the same time, some areas may also experience stronger cold waves. These changes could make it harder for older adults to maintain comfortable living conditions in their homes.
Another important concern is that not all older adults have equal access to heating or cooling systems. Some people live in homes that do not have good insulation or reliable air conditioning. Others may avoid using heating or cooling because energy costs are too high. Low‑income older adults may therefore face greater risks if indoor temperatures fluctuate too much.
Dr. Amir Baniassadi, the lead author of the study, explained that understanding these environmental factors is important for protecting the brain health of older adults. He said that indoor temperature is something that families, communities, and policymakers can potentially improve.
The research also involved other experts at the Marcus Institute, including Dr. Lewis Lipsitz, who directs the institute, and Dr. Brad Manor, an associate scientist who studies aging and mobility. They believe the findings add to growing evidence that climate change can influence not only physical health but also mental and cognitive health.
Previous studies have already shown that temperature can influence sleep quality and brain function. Poor sleep, overheating, or feeling too cold can affect how the brain processes information the next day. This new research adds another piece to the puzzle by showing that everyday indoor temperatures may influence attention in older adults.
Although the study involved a relatively small number of participants, the results are consistent with other emerging research about environmental health and aging. The findings highlight the importance of creating safer living environments for older adults.
Possible solutions could include better housing design, more energy‑efficient heating and cooling systems, and new technologies that automatically adjust indoor temperatures. Public health programs could also help families and communities become more aware of how environmental conditions affect brain health.
As the world continues to warm, these simple changes may play an important role in helping older adults stay mentally sharp and independent for longer. Protecting brain health may not only depend on medicine and lifestyle choices, but also on something as basic as keeping the home at a comfortable temperature.
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