"Should Have Moved Father Into an Apartment"... Certain Housing Types Linked to Higher Risk of Death

Men Are More Vulnerable Than Women Due to Blood Pressure
Announcement by Science Tokyo in Japan

A study has found that the type of housing among the elderly can significantly impact survival rates. Elderly individuals living in detached houses face a higher risk of death compared to those residing in apartments, which researchers attribute to the difficulty in maintaining a stable indoor temperature in detached homes.

A study found that the risk of death from cardiovascular disease was higher for residents of rental apartments or owner-occupied detached houses compared to residents of owner-occupied apartments. Photo by Getty Images

On October 10, Science Tokyo announced, "After tracking approximately 39,000 elderly individuals over six years, we found that residents of rental apartments or owner-occupied detached houses had a higher risk of death from cardiovascular disease compared to residents of owner-occupied apartments."

The research team explained, "Detached houses are exposed on all sides to the outside, making it easier for indoor temperatures to become colder and more unstable. Improving home insulation can reduce mortality from cardiovascular disease, especially among men."

The World Health Organization (WHO), in its 2018 'Housing and Health Guidelines,' stated, "Cardiovascular diseases such as myocardial infarction and stroke occur more frequently in cold homes." The report noted that cold temperatures can cause blood pressure to rise, becoming a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The Japanese government also officially recognized residential environment as a social determinant of health in its 'Clinical Practice Guidelines for Cardiovascular Disease' released last year.

A study found that the risk of death from cardiovascular disease was higher for residents of rental apartments or owner-occupied detached houses compared to residents of owner-occupied apartments. Photo by Getty Images

This large-scale cohort study targeted 38,731 elderly Japanese individuals with an average age of 73.6. The researchers analyzed official death records from myocardial infarction, arrhythmia, heart failure, and stroke, correlating them with housing type (owner-occupied or rental, apartment or detached house).

The results showed that residents of detached houses experienced greater fluctuations in indoor temperature compared to apartment dwellers, which was associated with more pronounced increases and variability in blood pressure. Previous studies in Japan have also confirmed that detached houses tend to have lower and less stable indoor temperatures than apartments.

The risk was particularly pronounced among men. According to the Japanese Society of Hypertension guidelines, men in their 60s and 70s have higher systolic blood pressure than women of the same age group, making them more susceptible to the effects of cold temperatures.

The researchers advised, "By improving home insulation and maintaining indoor temperatures at or above the WHO-recommended 18 degrees Celsius, mortality from cardiovascular disease can be reduced."

Wataru Umishio, Associate Professor of Architecture at Tokyo University of Science, stated, "High-quality homes with improved insulation not only protect the health of the elderly but also enhance energy efficiency, contributing to climate change mitigation."