Electric Fans May Lead to Elderly Health Risks, Study Shows

A recent study from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center found that elderly who use electric fans when there is severe heat tend to have core temperatures and increased heart rates as compared with those who have no fans.

According to one of the authors of the study, Craig G. Crandall, this is a result of the difference between the elderly’s body’s reaction and younger people. Not sweating as much as their younger counterparts, older individuals end up having faster heart rate elevation and core temperature.

The proponents reiterate that fans with lower temperatures, on the other hand, are helpful.

With this, it may be necessary to note that the research focused more on severe heat conditions. Authors discovered that fans function at their best with younger individuals at 36 degrees Celsius.

With this, it may also be helpful to consider this study’s results in caring for elderly people, may they be receiving home care services or if they are in hospitals.