Smart technology helps Austrian seniors beat the heat

Senior citizens at a care facility in Götzis, Austria, are participating in a research project that leverages smart systems to help them better manage summer heatwaves. The initiative, named "Klingel - climate-adapted and healthy living," is led by the University of Applied Sciences Vorarlberg (FHV). The project focuses on two key areas: creating comfortable indoor living environments and ensuring adequate hydration to prevent dehydration. Tobias Werner, head of the project at FHV's Human-Centred Technologies research center, explained that sensors are placed in residents' rooms to continuously monitor temperature, CO2 levels, and other parameters. This data is compared with online weather services to provide real-time advice. Residents receive recommendations, such as closing windows and lowering blinds when outdoor temperatures exceed indoor levels, and optimal times for ventilation in the evenings. Werner noted that these precise timings and effective ventilation and shading strategies have allowed for "up to three additional hours of ventilation per day." The project also utilizes smart drinking cups to encourage sufficient fluid intake. Participants have shown no hesitation in adopting the high-tech solutions, with some facilities even hosting "ice cream parties" during the current heatwave.

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We supported elderly people in creating the most pleasant possible living room climate at home.