Healthy Living Environments for Elder Adults
According to the National Institute of Health, most people spend 50% or more of every day inside their homes. For elderly adults, the amount of time spent indoors is considerably greater than the general population. Increasingly, health officials and aciwntists are recognizing the iimportance of a healthy living environmentment and an individual’s mental and physical health. Accordingly, the American Public Health Associatio recognizes the following needs for healthy functioning.
Fundamental Needs For Healthy Functioning
Housing should provide for the following physiologic needs:
- protection from the elements,
- a thermal environment that will avoid undue heat loss,
- a thermal environment that will permit adequate heat loss from the body,
- an atmosphere of reasonable chemical purity,
- adequate daylight illumination and avoidance of undue daylight glare,
- direct sunlight,
- adequate artificial illumination and avoidance of glare,
- protection from excessive noise, and
- adequate space for exercise.
The first three physiologic needs reflect the requirement for adequate protection from the elements. The lack of adequate heating and cooling systems in homes can contribute to respiratory illnesses or even lead to death from extreme temperatures. During extreme cold hypothermia occurs when the body temperature drops below 96°F (46°C). It can occur in any person exposed to severe cold without enough protection. Older people are particularly susceptible because they may not notice the cold as easily and can develop hypothermia even after exposure to mild cold. Susceptibility to the cold can be exacerbated by certain medications, medical conditions, or the consumption of alcohol. “Hyperthermia” is the name given to a variety of heat-related illnesses. The two most common forms of hyperthermia are heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Of the two, heat stroke is especially dangerous and requires immediate medical attention.
According to the National Institute on Aging (NIA) lifestyle factors can increase the risk for hyperthermia:
Unbearably hot living quarters. This would include people who live in homes without fans or air conditioners. To help avert the problem, residents should open windows at night; create cross-ventilation by opening windows on two sides of the building; cover windows when they are exposed to direct sunlight and keep curtains, shades, or blinds drawn during the hottest part of the day.
Lack of transportation. People without fans or air conditioners often are unable to go to shopping malls, movie theaters, and libraries to cool off because of illness or the lack of transportation.
Inadequate or inoperable windows. Society has become so reliant on climate control systems that when they fail, windows cannot be opened. As was the case in the 2003 heat wave in France, many homes worldwide do not even have fans for cooling.
Overdressing. Older people, because they may not feel the heat, may not dress appropriately in hot weather.
Visiting overcrowded places. Trips should be scheduled during nonrush-hour times and participation in special events should be carefully planned to avoid disease transmission.
Not consulting weather conditions. Older people, particularly those at special risk, should stay indoors on especially hot and humid days, particularly when an air pollution alert is in effect.
The fifth through the seventh physiologic concerns address adequate illumination, both natural and artificial. Research has revealed a strong relationship between light and human physiology. The effects of light on both the human eye and human skin are notable. One of the physiologic responses of the skin to sunlight is the production of vitamin D. Light allows us to see. It also affects body rhythms and psychologic health. Average individuals are affected daily by both natural and artificial lighting levels in their homes. Adequate lighting is important in allowing people to see unsanitary conditions and to prevent injury, thus contributing to a healthier and safer environment. Improper indoor lighting can also contribute to eyestrain from inadequate illumination, glare, and flicker.
Avoiding excessive noise (eighth physiologic concern) is important in the 21st century. However, the concept of noise pollution is not new. Regulations to help control indoor noise from modern appliances. Noise has physiologic impacts aside from the potential to reduce hearing ability. According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association these effects include elevated blood pressure; negative cardiovascular effects; increased breathing rates, digestion, and stomach disturbances; ulcers; negative effects on developing fetuses; difficulty sleeping after the noise stops; plus the intensification of the effects of drugs, alcohol, aging, and carbon monoxide. In addition, noise can reduce attention to tasks and impede speech communication. Finally, noise can hamper performance of daily tasks, increase fatigue, and cause irritability.
Household noise can be controlled in various ways. Approaching the problem during initial construction is the simplest, but has not become popular. For example, in early 2003, only about 30% of homebuilders offered sound-attenuating blankets for interior walls. A sound-attenuating blanket is a lining of noise abatement products (the thickness depends on the material being used). Spray-in-place soft foam insulation can also be used as a sound dampener, as can special walking mats for floors. Actions that can help reduce household noise include installing new, quieter appliances and isolating washing machines to reduce noise and water passing through pipes.
The ninth and final physiologic need is for adequate space for exercise. Before industrialization in the United States and England, a preponderance of the population lived and worked in more rural areas with very adequate areas for exercise and play. As industrialization impacted demographics, more people were in cities without ample space for play and exercise. In the 19th century, society responded with the development of playgrounds and public parks. Healthful housing should include the provision of safe exercise areas. As you consider the home health of an elderly adult, consider the importance of sidewalks for safe walking and biking and the availability of street lighting.
Photo:http://www.flickr.com/photos/65819195@N00/4561070283/sizes/m/in/photostream/
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