India is a relatively young country boasting an overwhelmingly high percentage of people under 35 years of age( approximately 63% to be precise) but at the same time its geriatric population is on the rise.According to National Statistics Office’s ,”Elderly in India Report 2024” , 10.1% of total population is above 60 years or above and is expected to grow to 13% by 2040.

As people age, their ability to withstand temperatures decline, making them more vulnerable to heat related illnesses. Heat induced ailments on an account of old age can range from mild discomfort to life threatening issues. Some of them are listed as follows

Exhaustion: happens when the body is exposed to high temperatures over a prolonged period of time, especially in humid conditions. Symptoms might include excessive sweating, fatigue, dizziness,nausea and headaches. Older population is at higher risks due to sweat glands not fund effectively and cardio vascular systems struggling to adapt to heat stress.
Stroke: might occur when body’s core temperature exceeds 40 degree centrigade, overwhelming the body’s ability to cool itself. Symptoms include rapid pulse, dry skin, dizziness or even unconsciousness in severe cases.
Dehydration: quite common because in old age, the body is less susceptible to conserve water and sense thirst. This can aggravate other health conditions like renal issues or low blood pressure and contribute to stroke or exhaustion.
Aggravation of existing health problems: heat can increase existing complications like respiratory diseases, heart problems or dementia. High temperatures can strain the body, it works harder to cool itself , posing high risks for cardiovascular patients.

From the above it’s clear how heat can pose a huge risk to elderly population and exacerbate debilitating conditions. We at LuminX strive to cater solutions to this section of the population by innovating heat proof solutions as a gesture of gratitude and respect. We undertook this ambitious assignment at an elderly home at Sri Aurobindo Institute of Culture, located at Baruipur on the outskirts of Kolkata.

Sri Aurobindo Institute of Culture Geriatric care facility

How LuminX can provide relief for geriatric care?

Reducing indoor temperatures : LuminX can reduce heat up to 10-15 degree Celsius at roof surfaces in peak summers, 5-6 degrees indoors in non air conditioned spaces. For the old age population who are more prone to heat related complications due to reduced thermoregulation, this creates a more soothing, safer environment without heavily relying on air conditioners.
Mitigation of health related risks: as discussed earlier, LuminX keeps room cooler thereby significantly reducing risks during intense heat waves( a common occurrence in metro cities) , this can be a life saving option for 1.4 crore elderly population in India.
Increasing comfort in Non Air Conditioned spaces:Relying on air conditioning comes with its own share of problems in old age. ACs can interfere with the body’s normal heat regulation, causing cough and cold, aggravating gout related issues, frequent headaches, dehydration etc.Most elderly Indians , specifically in rural areas or low income groups even lack access to this luxury.LuminX provides a passive cooling solution, increasing home comfort where mechanical cooling isn’t even an option.
Lowering energy costs: LuminX can lower electricity bills by over 30%( long term average). This has significant impact on the elderly population living on fixed incomes. With limited pensions( only 11%) , this financial relief can provide room for allocation of resources to healthcare and nutrition.
Extending life span, reducing maintenance stress: LuminX protects roofs from ultraviolet damage, provides waterproofing and thermal shocks( expansion and contraction owing to temperature changes), thereby increasing roof life by years. This provides peace of mind , reduces the financial and physical burden of constant repairs.
Taking care of affordability: LuminX takes care of this component with a vision to reach even the low income groups. When compared to other solutions for heat resistance, LuminX is among the most affordable options. For the geriatric community, LuminX offers a practical, low maintenance way to combat heat and improve quality of life, especially at a time when heatwaves are worsening. Taking care of our parents in old age goes with the ancient Indian dictum of Sarve Bhavatu sukhina, sarve bhavatu Nirmaya.