Brighton University is researching ways the elderly can stay cool during heatwaves.

Visits to hospital emergency rooms for the treatment of heatstroke have been increasing in recent years due to fluctuations in the weather, resulting in mini-heatwaves. Brighton University is conducting research to understand the risk of developing heatstroke in the elderly, one of the population’s most vulnerable groups.

By monitoring volunteers in different environments, such as doing housework, and light to moderate exercise, and evaluating factors such as blood pressure and heart rate, they hope to develop an understanding of the risks of developing a heatstroke based illness.

Dr Neil Maxwell, Head of the University’s centre for sport and exercise science and medicine said; “The key aspect of improving heat sensitivity in a vulnerable population is knowing when they require an intervention. Therefore, specific interventions and advice can be provided to alleviate heat strain within the population”.

To find out more, read the full article here.