For many, the thermostat is just another dial to adjust, but for seniors, finding the perfect indoor temperature can be critical to maintaining focus and mental sharpness. A study conducted by the Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Research on Aging in collaboration with Harvard Medical School has shown how indoor temperature affects the ability of older adults to concentrate—even in the comfort of their own homes.
The study is a wake-up call, especially as climate change leads to increasingly extreme temperatures. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balanced indoor climate for an aging population, whose cognitive well-being may depend on it.
Perfect indoor climate
During a year-long study, researchers observed 47 elderly people aged 65 and older in their natural home environments and found that cognitive abilities, especially attention, improved at temperatures of 20-24°C (68-75°F). . Going outside of this range by just 4°C (7°F) significantly doubled the likelihood that participants would report attention problems.
Although both hot and cold conditions affected concentration, the study found that cold temperatures had a stronger negative effect. Participants reported more significant cognitive problems when feeling cold than when feeling hot, suggesting that adequate heating during the winter months is particularly important for older adults.
The effect of temperature on the aging of the mind
Why does temperature affect cognition so much? As we age, our bodies become less efficient at regulating our temperatures, and this vulnerability is often exacerbated by chronic diseases or medications. These physiological changes can impair not only physical discomfort, but also cognitive functions such as attention and memory.
Dr. Amir Banyasadi, lead author of the study, explained: “Our findings highlight the importance of understanding how environmental factors, such as indoor temperature, affect cognitive health in aging individuals. As global temperatures rise, ensuring access to a temperature-controlled environment will be critical to protecting the cognitive well-being of older adults.”
Real life consequences
Study participants, whose average age was 79, completed more than 17,000 surveys during the study period, reporting on their thermal comfort and ability to stay focused. Most of them lived in a private house and controlled the indoor climate, which made the results even more impressive.
If relatively susceptible individuals face cognitive challenges due to temperature changes, vulnerable populations may face even greater risk. Since many seniors live on fixed incomes, maintaining the optimal indoor temperature can be a financial challenge.
As climate change continues to drive extreme weather events, this study highlights the need for public health policy and housing interventions that prioritize climate-resilient spaces for an aging population.
What this means for carers and families
For families and caregivers, this research offers actionable information, such as ensuring seniors’ living spaces stay within the cognitive “sweet spot” of 68-75°F, which can support their mental clarity and overall well-being. Simple measures like programmable thermostats, efficient heating and cooling systems, and financial assistance with energy costs can make a big difference.
Beyond physical health: the bigger picture
This study builds on previous research linking climate change to health outcomes, expanding the conversation to include cognitive health. Although much attention has been paid to the physical dangers of extreme temperatures, this study suggests that even moderate temperature changes in homes can have a major impact on the daily lives of older adults.
As we prepare for increasingly unpredictable weather conditions, the thermostat can become one of the most important tools in promoting healthy aging. So, the next time you’re over at your grandma’s house, don’t just check on her well-being — take a look at her thermostat, because getting the temperature just right could be the key to keeping her mind as sharp as ever.
Takeaway
The findings highlight the need to –
- Available temperature control solutions: Subsidy programs for heating and cooling systems.
- Energy efficiency in housing construction: Building codes that favor insulation and climate control.
- Public awareness campaigns: Learning the importance of indoor temperature for cognitive health.
Dr. Banyasadi noted, “This study highlights the need for public health and housing policy interventions that prioritize climate resilience among older adults.” By paying a little attention to the thermostat, we could help our aging loved ones stay not only comfortable, but also mentally agile in the years to come.
Study guide
Journal article ‘Home ambient temperature and self-reported attention in community-dwelling older adults‘ was published on December 3, 2024. in The Journals of Gerontology (Series A, glae286) and co-authored by Amir Baniasadi (PhD), Wanting Yu (B.Sc), Thomas Trevison (PhD), Ryan Day, Lewis Lipsitz (MD), and Brad Manor (PhD) .
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor for any health concerns.
