Heat adaptation among the elderly in Spain (1983-2018)

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The aim of this study was to ascertain, firstly, adaptation to heat among persons aged ≥ 65 years across the period 1983 to 2018 through analysis of the MMT; and secondly, the trend in such adaptation to heat over time with respect to the total population. Methods: A retrospective longitudinal ecological time series study was conducted, using data on daily mortality and maximum daily temperature across the study period. Results: Over time, the MMT was highest among elderly people, with a value of 28.6 oC (95%CI 28.3-28.9) versus 28.2 oC (95%CI 27.83-28.51) for the total population, though this difference was not statistically significant. A total of 62% of Spanish provinces included populations of elderly people that had adapted to heat during the study period. In general, elderly persons’ level of adaptation registered an average value of 0.11 (oC/decade). Conclusions/Recommendations: Although the Spanish provincial population aged ≥ 65 years showed adaptation to heat, heterogeneities were found among the various provinces, highlighting the fact that in a given country vulnerability to ambient temperature varies, and that its relationship with the process of adaptation is thus influenced by the geographical, climatic and socio-economic characteristics of each particular area.