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Heat‐health behaviours of older people in two A ustralian states
Author(s) -
Hansen Alana,
Bi Peng,
Pisaniello Dino,
Nitschke Monika,
Tucker Graeme,
Newbury Jonathan,
Kitson Alison,
Dal Grande Eleonora,
Avery Jodie,
Zhang Ying,
Kelsall Liza
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
australasian journal on ageing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.63
H-Index - 34
eISSN - 1741-6612
pISSN - 1440-6381
DOI - 10.1111/ajag.12134
Subject(s) - telephone survey , public health , gerontology , telephone interview , medicine , older people , population health , population ageing , environmental health , population , psychology , nursing , marketing , social science , sociology , business
Aim A major heatwave occurred in A ustralia in early 2009 with considerable and varied health impacts in S outh A ustralia (SA) and V ictoria. The aim of this study was to investigate the heat‐adaptive behaviours of older people in these states. Methods A computer‐assisted telephone survey of 1000 residents of SA and V ictoria aged 65 years or older was conducted at the end of summer 2010–2011. Results The majority of respondents reported undertaking heat‐adaptive behaviours. In SA , there was a significantly higher proportion of households with air conditioning compared to V ictoria, and a higher recall of heat‐health messages. In both states, self‐reported morbidity during heatwaves was higher in women, persons with poorer health and those with cardiovascular conditions. Conclusion An increase in global temperatures in conjunction with an ageing population is a concern for public health. Our findings suggest acclimatisation to hot weather may influence behaviours and health outcomes in older people.