Study Investigates Technology to Help Older Adults Manage HeatRelated Health Issues

Extreme heat kills more people in Australia than any other natural disaster. Here in the Sunshine State, over 100 lives are lost each year from exposure to high temperatures. Without taking the right steps to protect ourselves and keep our homes cool, extreme heat can lead to heat-related illnesses such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. On top of this, heat can reduce sleep quality, worsen medical conditions, and put greater pressure on our heart. Although heat can impact anyone’s health, people over the age of 65 are at an increased risk of experiencing these consequences.

Understanding this, researchers from Griffith University’s Ethos Project (Extreme Heat and Older Persons) are partnering with older Queenslanders to develop an in-home early warning system for heat. Using small sensors to monitor home temperature and humidity, the Ethos system will alert users when these levels become dangerous and provide personalised cooling recommendations to reduce heat health risk.

CALLING OVER 65’s

If you are over 65 years old, living in Moreton Bay, Ipswich, or Toowoomba and keen to participate, eligibility screening will be based on your health, medication usage and location. If eligible, researchers will install four devices (one outdoor and three indoor) in participants’ homes to measure temperature and humidity. These devices will be connected to a tablet-based application.

Before installation, participants will be asked to complete a confidential health history questionnaire about their health status, current medications and preferences for cooling options.

If you’re a bit concerned about navigating a new technology, don’t worry - the research team will provide continuous support and you’ll have several opportunities to share experiences with fellow participants throughout the trial. Lastly, as with all research, strict data protection regulations and research ethics to safeguard your privacy will be adhered to.

Participants will be requested to keep the system in their homes for a minimum of three months during the summer of 20232024 (December through January) and interact with it as they wish. Researchers will provide guidance through an initial in-person session, written materials, and telephone support.

The main benefit of participation is that the system provides real-time monitoring of the environment, helping participants recognise potential body temperature elevation and providing guidance on how to cool down to a safe temperature. Additionally, the data collected will enable researchers to better understand temperature and humidity exposure across different households during the summer period. Participants have the right to withdraw from the research at any time if they feel uncomfortable.

The study has received approval from the Griffith University Ethics Committee, and participation is voluntary with no impact on participants’ relationships with the researchers or Griffith University.

If you are over the age of 65, living in Moreton Bay, Ipswich, or Toowoomba, do not have a diagnosis of a cognitive or psychological disorder (such as dementia or schizophrenia), and are willing to complete a confidential health history questionnaire, register your interest prior to 30 September by emailing ethos@griffith.edu.au or calling the research team on (07) 5552 7903. Scan the QR code for further information or head to www.climateethos.com

Samford Live’s eclectic acoustic afternoons - the best of local music

This weekend, warm up your winter with the lively, fun-filled sounds of The Long Johns on Saturday afternoon. This four-piece, toe tapping posse has included Samford in their tour promoting their latest EP Bones! before they appear at next month’s famous Gympie Muster. Hear them here first! Book tickets online for their Samford Live show this Saturday 22 July, or pay cash at the door.

The last words from their fans: “they are awesome!”…wish I had the words to tell you how much I love this”.

In August we’ve invited two of the most acclaimed acts on our local acoustic scene to perform a double bill. Zoe Quinn is a local singer, songwriter and guitarist from Eatons Hill. She draws influences from indie and folk-pop threads, infusing heartfelt lyrics, bold passionate guitar playing and her compelling voice. “luminous, original music” - Darren Percival.

Zoe will be joined by Freight Train Foxes, built around the singer/songwriter talents of Kobble Creek resident Kelsey Berrington and Brisbane based Pat Kenny. The pair wield their unique brand of mellow suburban acoustic folk, amassing over a million streams on Spotify. This impressive duo has released four EPs, twice been Queensland Music Awards finalists, and this year have been invited to appear at Brisbane’s prestigious Big Sound Festival.

“Idyllic acoustic guitars, strings and harmonies - a wonderfully charming and intimate collection of folk-pop tunes” - Calen Le Couteur, MiMM.

Saturday 22 July

The Long Johns – Alt country, bluegrass and old-time swing.

Saturday 26 August

Zoe Quinn & Freight Train Foxes – top notch local indie folk pop. Doors open 3.00pm, music from 4pm, $15/$20 + booking fee

Little Tree Bake & Brewhouse Main Street, Samford Bookings advisable, tickets at: www. samfordlive.au

Samford Live is a project of Samford & Districts Progress & Protection Association.

Proudly supported by Moreton Bay Regional Council.

Chris Bowen

Image: The Long Johns (artist’s own)