Noise and older adults: specific health risks

Ageing does not protect people from the harmful effects of noise. In fact, reports by the World Health Organization and articles in journals such as The Lancet show that long‑term exposure to urban noise increases the risk of cardiovascular disease particularly in older adults.

Why older adults are more vulnerable

• pre‑existing heart and vascular conditions make stress responses more dangerous;
• sleep becomes lighter and more fragmented, so noise awakens people more easily;
• hearing aids amplify both useful and annoying sounds.

How families can help

Relatives can:

• choose the quietest room in the flat for the older person’s bedroom;
• work with audiologists to adjust hearing aids so sudden sounds are limited;
• keep a shared noise diary and log incidents on NoiseMap;
• support formal complaints and communication with building managers.

Small changes with big impact

Simple interventions often bring noticeable relief:

• adding textiles and soft furnishings to reduce echo;
• moving the bed away from shared walls;
• setting household devices to quieter evening modes.

Protecting quiet for older relatives is part of protecting their health. With tools like NoiseMap and a structured record of problems, families can make their case clearer to landlords and city services.