A novel thermal comfort model for older adults - development and validation of the COMFA-OA model.

ABSTRACT: This study presents a population-specific adaptation of the COMFA model, customized to estimate thermal stress levels of older adults. We refer to this index as the COMFA thermal comfort - older adults (COMFA-OA) model. This model incorporates physiological adjustments to enhance accuracy in estimating thermal stress for the older demographic. Key modifications include empirical updates to sweat heat loss, core temperature, and metabolic rate equations to reflect age-related changes in heat regulation and metabolic efficiency. The model was validated using the ASHRAE Global Thermal Comfort Database II and a field experiment assessing thermal sensation of older adults during warm and hot seasons in Texas. Results show COMFA-OA (MAE = 4.03, RMSE = 4.14) outperforms traditional models like PE

SUBMITTER: Li X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12657039 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature