Urban heatwaves and senior citizens: Frugal solutions in The Hague

BLISS header - for news items

By Erwin van Tuijl, Sylvia I. Bergh, Ashley Richard Longman,

 

As The Netherlands is currently suffering from extreme heat, it is worth reminding ourselves of the effects of the latest heatwave, which took place from 10-16 August, 2020. Worryingly, the excess mortality was 37% higher among people receiving long-term care than the average in the previous weeks. Especially senior citizens (people aged 65 and above) are vulnerable to the negative health effects of heatwaves. They often do not feel thirsty, and accordingly, they do not drink enough. Due to their reduced mobility, they have difficulties in moving to cooler places such as parks. They also cannot afford to buy air conditioners or sunscreens. Hence, as we, Erwin van TuijlSylvia I. Bergh, and Ashley Richard Longman, argue in this blog, there is a need for frugal solutions to protect seniors against heat. Frugal solutions are both affordable as well as “simple” . We present some frugal solutions we identified in a recent research project in The Hague, The Netherlands. We also discuss challenges that hinder development and usage of these frugal solutions.

Read the full blogpost:"Urban heatwaves and senior citizens: Frugal solutions in The Hague"

Professor
Professor
Speaker
Ashley Richard Longman
Lecturer, Faculty of Social Sciences, Political Science and Public Administration, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.
More information

What is BlISS?

Bliss is the blog of the International Institute of Social Studies on global development and social justice. It aims to provide a space where research ideas and findings are brought to the development community in a timely way. With the blog, ISS will address different audiences in policy, practice and the public at large.

Want to receive updates on new posts? Sign up to Bliss today!

Compare @count study programme

  • @title

    • Duration: @duration
Compare study programmes