Beat the Heat Boston

Launched by HARVARD SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH (HSPH) · May 13, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The Beat the Heat Boston trial is a study aimed at understanding how air conditioning can help older adults deal with the challenges of hot weather. Specifically, researchers want to find out if having an air conditioner reduces heat-related stress and improves both mental health and healthcare needs among older adults who currently do not have air conditioning. The study will involve two groups: one will receive air conditioning in the first summer, while the other group will receive it in the following summer, along with financial help for electricity costs. This will help the researchers see how both the air conditioning and the financial support affect participants.

To be eligible for this study, participants must be between 55 and 95 years old, live in specific areas of Boston, speak English or Spanish, and not already have air conditioning at home. They should also be living with certain health conditions, such as heart disease or chronic lung issues. Participants can expect to answer surveys about their health and how they use the air conditioning, and the researchers will monitor temperatures and energy use in their homes. This study is not only important for understanding how to keep older adults safe during hot weather, but it also aims to improve their overall well-being.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • reside in Roxbury, Dorchester, East Boston or Mattapan MA
• • age 55-95 years old
• • speak English or Spanish
• • do not have air conditioning in the home
• • living with at least one of the following conditions: chronic CVD (hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, history of stroke or myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation, or heart failure), chronic pulmonary disease (asthma, COPD/emphysema, interstitial lung disease), chronic neurologic disease (stroke, Parkinson's disease, or other chronic neurologic conditions), chronic mental health conditions (including anxiety disorder, major depression, bipolar disorder), and/or history of hospitalization (defined as spending at least one night in the hospital) for any reason within the past three years.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • - Lack a location in their home suitable for installation of the AC unit provided during the research study.