Air Conditioning in Nursing Homes Lowers Heat-Related Risk

Study shows clear link between AC and reduced mortality during heat waves

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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A recent study out of Ontario, Canada has demonstrated a clear link between air conditioning in nursing homes and reduced mortality during heat waves. The findings underscore the urgent need to protect vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly and those in institutional care, as global temperatures continue to rise.

Why it matters

The risk extends far beyond nursing homes, as assisted living facilities, group homes, correctional institutions, and psychiatric hospitals often house residents with similar vulnerabilities. Ignoring these settings could lead to a looming crisis, as heat-related deaths among those 65 and older have been steadily increasing.

The details

The Ontario mandate to retrofit nursing homes with air conditioning, a CAD $200 million investment, highlights the economic argument for proactive measures. Heat-related illnesses lead to increased hospitalizations, emergency room visits, and premature deaths, with the economic burden estimated to reach $100 billion annually in the US by the end of the century. Innovative technologies like smart thermostats, passive cooling strategies, and personal cooling devices can supplement traditional air conditioning to provide more targeted and energy-efficient solutions.

  • The study was published in JAMA Internal Medicine in 2026.
  • A 2022 report by the National Center for Health Statistics showed a sharp rise in heat-related deaths among those 65 and older in recent years.

The players

Ontario

The Canadian province that mandated air conditioning in nursing homes, a CAD $200 million investment.

University of California, Berkeley

Conducted a study estimating the economic burden of heat-related health impacts in the US could reach $100 billion annually by the end of the century.

European Commission

Exploring stricter building standards and energy efficiency regulations to address the growing threat of extreme heat in Europe.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Provides comprehensive information on extreme heat safety on their website.

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What they’re saying

“The lessons from Ontario are clear: proactive investment in cooling infrastructure, coupled with robust policy and a commitment to equity, is not just a matter of comfort – it's a matter of survival.”

— Samantha Carter, Editor-in-Chief, Newsy-Today.com (Newsy-Today.com)

What’s next

The European Commission is currently exploring stricter building standards and energy efficiency regulations to address the growing threat of extreme heat.

The takeaway

As global temperatures climb, the need to proactively protect vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly and those in institutional care, is becoming a matter of life and death. Investing in preventative measures, like widespread air conditioning and robust cooling plans, is not just ethically sound – it's economically prudent.