Heat protection for older people
With support from the Burgergemeinde Bern and the Canton of Bern GSI, the project aims to prevent heat-related health problems among older adults living alone in the Canton of Bern at an early stage, before hospitalizations or deaths occur.
Factsheet
- Schools involved School of Health Professions
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Institute(s)
Institute on Ageing
Nursing - Funding organisation Others
- Duration (planned) 01.07.2026 - 30.04.2027
- Head of project Tannys Helfer
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Project staff
Katja Sara Brogli
Prof. Dr. Eva Soom Ammann -
Partner
Finanzierung: Burgergemeinde Bern
Finanzierung: Kanton Bern GSI - Keywords Heatwaves, heat buddies, cooling spots, heat protection measures, older people, high-risk communities
Situation
Climate change is leading to a significant increase in heatwaves (where the average daily temperature is greater than or equal to 25 °C for at least three consecutive days) and longer periods of hot weather in Switzerland. Heat poses a serious health risk, as it places a strain on the cardiovascular system, increases the risk of dehydration and exacerbates existing chronic conditions. Heat-related mortality increases measurably, particularly during severe heatwaves. Even a moderate rise in temperature is associated with increased mortality, which, given its frequency, is also a cause for serious concern. Elderly persons are particularly at risk, as age-related physiological changes, multimorbidity, medication and a reduced sense of thirst, limit their ability to adapt to high temperatures. Elderly persons who live alone face additional challenges, as potential social isolation makes it more difficult to implement protective measures and to recognise health problems at an early stage. National and municipal heat protection measures (e.g. the prevention campaigns, ‘heat buddies’ and ‘cooling spots’) are becoming increasingly widespread and have been partially implemented in some cantons. Several cantons have already introduced specific heat protection initiatives, although there are differences in terms of their scope, institutional anchoring and the systematic integration of social support networks.
Course of action
Preparations to support older people living alone during heatwaves in the canton of Bern began 1–2 years ago. To ensure successful and sustainable implementation by the local authorities, and in particular, to increase acceptance of future measures and services amongst older people living at home, it is crucial to gain a better understanding of their perspectives on heat protection and their needs with regard to the measures recommended by the Canton of Bern (e.g. heat buddies, cooling spots). Incorporating the perspectives of older persons aged 75 and over who live alone, in the further development of heat protection measures, would provide the Canton of Bern with vital support in the targeted implementation of the action plan. The project ‘Heat Protection for Older People in the Canton of Bern’, funded by the Burgergemeinde of Bern and the Canton of Bern, and carried out by GSI in collaboration with the Canton of Bern and Pro Senectute Canton of Bern, is investigating the perspectives of older people in municipalities within the canton that are particularly at risk of being affected by heatwaves. The needs of older persons living alone in urban areas in relation to heat and existing heat protection measures, are being assessed through semi-structured interviews with them. At the same time, indoor temperatures and humidity levels are being measured in their homes (as well as in the outdoor areas surrounding their homes).
