The perception of the thermal ambience and occupant behaviour: a case study with elderly people in a tropical climate

Abstract

A considerable portion of the research on thermal comfort fails to undertake a comprehensive analysis including the relationship between residents and their buildings. It is also noteworthy that there are but a few studies on thermal comfort and the elderly, especially in tropical climates. Thus, this research study looks into sensation and thermal perception alongside strategies of adaptation to the environment, investigating a population of individuals over 60 years old, forming a sample of 90 respondents. The object of this study comprised 3 social housing units for the elderly located in the cities of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Campina Grande, and Cajazeiras. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. The researchers found that the elderly showed a preference for thermal environmental conditions milder than those prevailing at the time of interview. Natural ventilation is normally considered an important variable for thermal comfort, however, the respondents reported closing openings to prevent the entry of insects and animals, making natural ventilation difficult, and contributing to their thermal discomfort. It was also found that both cultural and security factors influence the closing of doors and windows. No significant correlation was found between the respondents' gender and their answers.

Keywords:
Thermal comfort; Occupants’ behaviour; Elderly