"Why Does Grandpa Dislike Air Conditioning?"—A Practical Guide to Heat Health for Saving Elderly People Who Insist "A Fan is Enough"

1. Introduction: Japan's "Indoor Heatstroke," a Silent Disaster

• The Current Situation in Japan with Heatwaves Continuing from June Due to Recent Climate Change

• Deaths from Heatwaves Surpass Those from Traffic Accidents

• Statistical Fact: Increasing Cases of Elderly People Collapsing at Homeshueisha.onlinemhlw.go.jp
  
  
  
  

2. Case Study: Testimony of a 28-Year-Old Man, Mr. K, Who Lost His Grandfather

• Mr. K's Experience with His Grandfather's Words, "A Fan Is Enough"

• Timeline from Discovery to Emergency Transport

• Regret of "I Should Have Persuaded Him More Strongly"
  
  
  
  

3. Why Do the Elderly Dislike Air Conditioners? Five Psychological Factors

1. Culture of Endurance and Thriftiness

2. Discomfort with Cold Air and Belief in "Chilling"

3. Fear of Rising Electricity Costs

4. Misunderstandings About Environmental Impact and Energy Saving

5. Stress of Operating Devices and Anxiety About Technology
   
   
   
   

4. Physiological Mechanisms: Three Reasons Why the Elderly Are Vulnerable to Heat

• Decrease in Body Fluid Volume and Risk of Dehydration

• Dulled Sensitivity to Heat

• Decline in Thermoregulatory Function and Cardiovascular Burdenshueisha.onlinemhlw.go.jp
  
  
  
  

5. International Perspective: WHO Indicates "Elderly Are the Most Vulnerable"

• 85% Increase in Heat-Related Deaths Among Those Aged 65 and Older from 2000 to 2021who.int##

• Room Temperature Management Goals and Daily Measurement Time Pointswho.int

• Case Studies of European Heat Health Action Plans
  
  
  
  

6. Persuasion Steps: A Practical Guide to "Getting the Air Conditioner Turned On"

7. Successful Overseas Examples

• France "Plan Canicule"――Care registration system during heatwaves

• Australia "Cool Homes for Seniors" Subsidy――Full assistance for air conditioner installation costs

• USA "Heat Helpline"――Emergency discount plans in collaboration with power companies
  
  
  
  

8. Latest Information on Public Support and Subsidies Available in Japan (2025 Edition)

• Housing Eco-Remodeling Subsidy

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• Air Conditioner Purchase Coupons for Senior Welfare Benefits

• Registration Method for Each Municipality's "Heatstroke Watch Team"
  
  
  
  

9. Checklist for Foreign Readers

• Examples of Japanese Phrases for Reaching Out to Resident Families and Nearby Seniors

• Emergency 119 Call Protocol (Japanese-English Translation)

• List of "Instant Cooling Goods" Available at Convenience Stores
  
  
  
  

10. Conclusion—Changing the "Air Conditioner Dislike" with Love and Data

The key to protecting the lives of seniors is communication that conveys scientific facts without damaging their dignity.Eliminating cultural, economic, and health concerns one by one and establishing world-standard heat countermeasures in Japanese households is the best strategy for the next heatwave.

Reference Article List

1. Shueisha Online "Stubborn elderly who don't use air conditioning, saying 'A fan is enough' or 'It's bad for health'..." 2025-06-21 shueisha.online

2. Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare "Heatstroke Prevention Leaflet for the Elderly" 2023-05 Edition (PDF)mhlw.go.jp

3. WHO Fact Sheet “Climate change: Heat and health” (2024) who.int

4. WHO Q&A “Heatwaves: How to stay cool” (2024-10) who.int

5. WHO Europe “Health advice for hot weather” (2025-05) who.int