Extreme heat kills more people in Australia than any other natural disaster. In the sunshine state alone, over 100 lives are lost each year from exposure to high temperatures. Without taking the right steps to protect ourselves and keep our homes cool, extreme heat can lead to heat-related illnesses such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. On top of this, heat can decrease our quality of sleep, worsen medical conditions, and put a greater pressure on our heart. Although heat can impact anyone’s health, people over the age of 65 are at an increased risk of experiencing such heath consequences.
Understanding this, researchers for Griffith University’s Ethos Project (Extreme Heat and Older Persons) are partnering with older Queenslanders to develop an in-home early warning system for heat. Using small sensors to monitor home temperature and humidity, the Ethos system will alert users when these levels become dangerous and provide personalised cooling recommendations to reduce heat health risk.
With this year’s El Nino predicted to be a scorcher, the Ethos Project is looking for older persons interested in trialling our system this summer. If you’re a bit concerned about navigating a new technology, no worries – our research team will provide you with continuous support and you’ll have several opportunities to chat with fellow participants and share experiences throughout the trial.
If you are over the age of 65, living in Moreton Bay, Ipswich, or Toowoomba, and do not have a diagnosis of a cognitive or psychological disorder (such as dementia or schizophrenia), university researchers invite you to register your interest by emailing [email protected] or giving a call on (07) 5552 7903. For more information about the Ethos Project and other exciting ways to be involved, visit www.climate-ethos.com
