Home / Health / Heatstroke Risks Shift: Age & Day of Week Matter
Heatstroke Risks Shift: Age & Day of Week Matter
3 Sep
Summary
- Heatstroke emergency transports are 80% higher for children on weekends/holidays.
- Seniors over 65 see 13% higher heatstroke risk on weekdays after holidays.
- Outdoor public spaces see 76% more heatstroke cases on weekends/holidays.
Heatstroke risks are not uniform, with a Toho University study identifying distinct patterns tied to age and daily routines. The research analyzed emergency transports in Tokyo from May to September between 2015 and 2025, correlating data with heat conditions and the day of the week.
For individuals under 18, heatstroke emergency transports were 80% higher on weekends and holidays compared to weekdays. This suggests increased participation in sports and outdoor activities during leisure time. In contrast, those aged 65 and older experienced a 13% rise in heatstroke incidents on the first weekday following a weekend or public holiday, possibly due to delayed medical consultations or resuming activity after a break.
The location of heatstroke occurrences also varied, with public outdoor spaces showing a 76% increase on weekends and holidays. Educational institutions saw a 21% rise, while incidents at home and workplaces decreased. Mild heatstroke cases were more common on weekends and holidays, but moderate and severe cases were less frequent during these periods.
