The goal of this stepped wedge trial is to assess the practical effects of air conditioners on hot weather impacts among older adults. The main questions it aims to answer are:
How does the presence of an air conditioning unit affect heat stress, heat strain, mental health, and healthcare utilization among older adults who did not previously have access to air conditioning?
How, and in what conditioners, do older adults use air conditioning once it is installed in their home?
Researchers will compare participants in arms with (A) and without (B) air conditioning units in the first summer season; this will allow them to assess the effect of air conditioners. In the second summer season, both arms will have air conditioning units, but those in the year two distribution arm (B) will receive an electricity subsidy, while those in the year one AC distribution arm (A) will not, allowing researchers to assess the effect of an electricity subsidy.
Participants will be randomized to receive an air conditioner and financial support for electricity costs in either the first summer season or the second summer season of the study.
* Heat stress, heat strain, mental health, and healthcare utilization will be assessed via participant survey. * Air conditioner utilization will be assessed via continuous load monitoring devices. * Indoor air temperature will be assessed via continuous data loggers.
reside in Roxbury, Dorchester, East Boston or Mattapan MA
age 55-95 years old
speak English or Spanish
do not have air conditioning in the home
None
Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH)
Lead sponsor
Fogarty International Center of the National Institute of Health
Collaborator