Ji Hyunjung, Shin Su Hyun, Coronado Alexandria, Lee Hee Yun
Department of Political Science, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA.
Department of Family & Consumer Studies, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
J Appl Gerontol. 2025 Apr;44(4):561-570. doi: 10.1177/07334648241282904. Epub 2024 Sep 17.
This study examines how functional disability worsens among older adults exposed to extreme heat, particularly those socially isolated. Analyzing data from over 35,000 older adults aged 50 or older from the Health and Retirement Study from 1996-2018, this study found that more frequent exposure to extreme heat is associated with an increase in the number of instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) that older adults find difficulty in performing over time. This heat-related disability progression is greater among those living alone and not working. However, findings indicate that maintaining contact with children and receiving higher levels of support from friends can alleviate the risk of IADL disability progression amidst extreme heat days for older adults with limited social relationships at home and work. By examining various aspects of social isolation and their nuanced effects, this study underscores the need for social support and assistance for older adults during extreme heat.
本研究探讨了在暴露于极端高温环境中的老年人，尤其是那些社会孤立的老年人中，功能残疾是如何恶化的。通过分析1996年至2018年健康与退休研究中35000多名50岁及以上老年人的数据，本研究发现，更频繁地暴露于极端高温环境与老年人随着时间推移难以进行的日常生活工具性活动（IADL）数量增加有关。这种与高温相关的残疾进展在独居且不工作的人群中更为明显。然而，研究结果表明，对于在家中和工作中社会关系有限的老年人来说，与子女保持联系并从朋友那里获得更高水平的支持，可以减轻在极端高温天气期间IADL残疾进展的风险。通过研究社会孤立的各个方面及其细微影响，本研究强调了在极端高温期间为老年人提供社会支持和援助的必要性。
