Complete tests in temperature-controlled rooms while resting and moving

What is this trial?

Researchers want to understand how safe a room temperature of 26°C (about 79°F) is for older adults. Right now, health agencies recommend this as a comfortable upper limit, but the study hasn't yet tested what happens when older people are also doing light exercise, wearing heavier clothing, or both. This trial will measure how your body temperature and heart respond to these realistic situations.

Older adults don't sense heat as well as younger people, so they may not realize when they're getting too hot—even if they're overdressed, doing activities, or in a warm room. Some people wear heavier clothing for religious or cultural reasons regardless of temperature. This study will help determine if 26°C is actually safe enough, or if health agencies need to recommend cooler indoor temperatures.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are between 65 and 85 years old
you do not smoke
you speak English or French
you can give informed consent to participate
you have stable chronic conditions like high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes (diagnosed at least 5 years ago), or you have no chronic conditions

You likely don't qualify if…

you have had severe low blood sugar episodes in the past year or cannot feel when your blood sugar drops
you have serious diabetes complications like kidney disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or severe nerve damage
your blood pressure is above 150/95 mmHg when sitting
you have physical limitations that restrict exercise, such as heart disease, lung disease, severe arthritis, or recent stroke
you have heart rhythm problems found during screening, or you are taking medications that your doctor thinks would make this study unsafe

What participation looks like

You will visit the research center on three separate days for 8 hours each. On one day, you'll sit quietly in a warm room (26°C) wearing light clothing like a t-shirt and shorts. On another day, you'll do the same but with light stepping exercises for a few minutes each hour to simulate everyday activities. On the third day, you'll sit quietly but wear heavier clothing like a sweatshirt and sweatpants. Throughout each visit, researchers will monitor your body temperature and heart rate to see how you respond.

How room temperature affects older adults during daily activities

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations(1 site)