Hot Homes: Seniors' Hearts at Risk in Queensland

Older adults residing in south-east Queensland are at increased risk of cardiovascular stress due to hot indoor conditions, according to a recent study. Research conducted between December 2024 and March 2025 found that indoor temperatures above 26 degrees Celsius led to significantly elevated heart rates in participants aged 65 and over. For every one-degree increase above this threshold, heart rate rose by approximately 1.3 beats per minute, nearly doubling the observed rate below 26 degrees. This cumulative stress can add thousands of extra heartbeats daily for older individuals.

The study, involving nearly 50 community-dwelling adults, underscores the World Health Organisation's recommended indoor temperature limit. Concerns are particularly high for seniors living in rental properties that often lack adequate cooling systems, forcing reliance on less effective portable devices or enduring uncomfortable heat. Advocates stress the necessity of minimum standards for rental housing to ensure healthy living environments and prevent heat-related health issues among the elderly population.