Understanding Heat Exposure Risks and Adaptation Behaviors Among Elderly Asian Communities in New York City

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Urban Health
• Gerontology

Background:

• Extreme heat is a major cause of climate-related morbidity and mortality in urban areas.
• Low-income older adults are a particularly vulnerable demographic to heat-related health issues.
• Understanding factors influencing personal heat exposure in this group is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the impact of personal attributes, built environment, and adaptive behaviors on individual heat exposure.
• To investigate the influence of heat risk perception, climate change knowledge, and socioeconomic factors.
• To assess personal heat exposure relative to ambient temperatures in older adults.

Main Methods:

• Pilot study involving 45 older Asian adults in New York City (August-September 2023).
• Data collection on heat risk perception, climate change knowledge, home adaptation behaviors, demographics, and socioeconomic status.
• Measurement of personal heat exposure in relation to ambient temperature.

Main Results:

• Personal heat exposure often exceeded ambient temperatures, especially at night.
• Older age and higher outdoor temperatures significantly increased personal heat exposure.
• Strong adaptive behaviors were associated with mitigated heat exposure.

Conclusions:

• Targeted strategies are needed to reduce heat exposure and vulnerability among low-income older adults.
• Improving access to affordable cooling and energy assistance is essential.
• Community outreach and education can promote effective adaptive behaviors.