A human thermoregulation model for the Chinese elderly.

ABSTRACT

Older people are always more vulnerable to thermal-related discomfort and health issues because of their diminishing ability to adapt to varying environmental conditions. There exist a few thermoregulation models but most of them did not consider age and ethnic differences. In this study, a standard thermoregulation model for Chinese elders was developed on the basis of literature review and the already established model for the Chinese young people. Furthermore, the standard model was individualized with four parameters (height, weight, sex and age) for more accurate prediction. Besides, both models were validated with experimental data. Results show that the standard model prediction-measurement discrepancies of the skin temperatures lay in the range of S.D. of measurements. Compared to the standard model, there were some improvements in the individualized model, especially for old men. Further validation with published experimental data indicated good predictions were also in good agreement with measurements. The work in the paper may play an important role in providing a more healthy and comfortable indoor environment for the elderly.