Your Aging Parent and the Impact of Air Conditioning on Health
Air conditioning is a popular technology employed to create a comfortable environment for people working or living in hot, humid climates. Indeed, the use of air conditioning is fairly ubiquitous across the United States. With that said, air conditioning may also come with health risks that can affect both individuals and entire communities, including seniors. If you are the adult child of a parent in his or her Golden Years, you need to have a basic understanding of some of the potential health issues that can be associated with the use of air conditioning at your parent’s residence.
Air Conditioning, Impact on Indoor Air Quality, and Senior Health
The most common drawback to air conditioning is its potential effect on air quality. Air conditioners act as filters that circulate air from the outside into our homes and offices, including the residence of your senior mother or father. As the air passes through these vents, it picks up allergens such as dust, pollen, and pet dander. All of these contaminants have the potential to trigger asthma symptoms and allergies.
When it comes to air quality in your aging parent’s home, in addition to releasing substances into the air, air conditioners can also promote the growth of bacteria and mold inside the unit or ductwork if not properly maintained. This is large because they frequently draw humid outside air into a building while simultaneously cooling it – creating perfect conditions for microbial growth. This built-up microbial growth can then be released back into the indoor environment where it can be inhaled by occupants of the building, leading to decreased indoor air quality. Significantly, mold spores may grow inside an air conditioning unit due to moisture buildup over time. This can worsen respiratory problems for seniors who are already prone to them.
Furthermore, certain components used in air conditioning systems may off-gas volatile organic compounds which have been linked with poor indoor air quality. These volatile organic compounds can range from refrigerants used inside some types of air conditioning units to cleaning chemicals used when servicing them. Low levels of exposure are unlikely to cause any major health concerns but prolonged exposure could increase the risk of certain health conditions including headaches, nausea, and respiratory problems.
It’s important that all air conditioning units are regularly serviced in order to minimize any negative impact on indoor air quality. Servicing should include changing filters regularly, checking condensation lines are working correctly, inspecting ductwork for mold or moisture buildup, and checking refrigerant levels on a regular basis too. It’s also important that any chemicals used during servicing meet industry safety standards and are not classed as hazardous materials. It is important for adult children of senior parents to confirm that this regular maintenance is being undertaken.
Air Conditioning and Oxygen Levels in a Your Aging Parent’s Home
Finally, seniors and their adult children should be aware that frequent use of their AC unit is likely to deplete oxygen levels found within their home due to its operation that involves exhausting warm moistened air out from within the property whilst drawing less oxygenated cool dryer external air back in via return ducting or vents. Oxygen levels should naturally be replenished over time but if you want to ensure adequate oxygen levels remain present then you may consider leaving windows open from time to time during the day.
Air Conditioning and a Senior’s Skin
The use of air conditioners also has an impact on temperature and humidity levels within buildings. Cooling systems set lower temperatures than would naturally occur outdoors, while dehumidifying systems reduce humidity by taking moisture from the air inside the building. These changes can result in an uncomfortable environment for some people and potentially lead to an increased risk of certain illnesses such as sore throats and dry skin for those living or working in overly cooled locations.
Seniors and their adult children need to be aware that humidity levels indoors should remain between 30 percent to 50 percent. Humidity at these levels will help keep the air moist enough so that an older adult’s skin does not become overly dry while air conditioning is in use. Making use of a humidifier alongside an air conditioning unit can help you maintain an optimal level of humidity throughout an aging parent’s residence. It can help reduce the drying effects on a senior’s skin as well as provide relief from breathing difficulties caused by overly dry air.
Additionally, moisturizing lotions or creams should be used regularly by seniors who spend time in air-conditioned environments. This is especially true with seniors who are prone to itching or irritation from low humidity levels indoors. Applying lotion directly after bathing helps lock in moisture.
Tending to Air Conditioning and Health Matters in a Senior’s Home
To reduce any negative health effects for seniors associated with air conditioning technology it is important to ensure proper and healthier air circulation within a home by regularly changing filters. As mentioned previously, windows need to be opened from time to time. Moreover, indoor humidity levels need to be monitored and maintained. It is important that consideration be made to replace older units with energy-efficient models.
Proper maintenance of existing cooling systems is also essential. This involves cleaning off dirt and dust from coils and fins regularly. It also involves obtaining a professional inspection annually for any needed repairs or adjustments to a central air conditioning system.
Dangers of Excessive Heat in a Senior’s Home
While there can be some negative issues associated with the use of air conditioning in your senior parent’s home, these are issues that can be mitigated. In conclusion, we discuss the dangers associated with excessive heat in a senior’s home to lend perspective to our discussion of some of the potential negative aspects of aid conditioning use.
Excessive heat in a senior’s home can be a serious health hazard. As seniors are more prone to dehydration and heat-related illnesses, it is essential to create a comfortable and safe environment for them to live in.
Unfortunately, too often seniors in the United States are exposed to excessive temperatures that can be uncomfortable and even dangerous. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, extreme heat has the potential to cause more deaths than any other weather-related event that occurs annually in the United States. During a particular four-year time period considered by the CDC, an estimated 618 people died from extreme heat. Older adults were particularly vulnerable to succumbing to death as a result of excessive heat.
Older adults often face additional risks due to their age-related changes in biology that make maintaining homeostasis increasingly difficult. In layperson’s terms, homeostasis refers to the body maintaining an appropriate balance. These changes can include decreased sweat production and a limited ability to regulate body temperature. Additionally, some medications taken by seniors can increase their sensitivity to hot temperatures as well as worsen chronic medical conditions caused by exposure to excessive heat.
It is crucial that family members or caregivers should always monitor seniors’ health closely during the hot summer months and provide them with appropriate attention if needed. By following these recommendations on top of encouraging regular hydration and providing supportive care as necessary, loved ones will have greater peace of mind knowing that their senior family members are safe from any risk posed by too much heat in the home environment.