Investigation of the elderly's response to winter temperature steps in severe cold area of China

Twelve seniors were enrolled in the two-day observatory experiment which was carried out in winter (January 2016) of Qiqihaer, Harbin. Their subjective responses including thermal perceptions and discomforts were recorded by questionnaires. Besides, blood pressure was also monitored before and after temperature steps. Results show that cold hands or feet, accelerated heart rate, runny or stuffy nose and shivering are sensitive self-reported symptoms in response to temperature step changes. Thermal sensation and comfort witnessed significantly changes under sudden heating or cooling. Even short temperature alteration also led to rapid and remarkable changes in both systolic and diastolic pressures.