Researchers at Nottingham Trent University have developed a smart textile vest designed to detect early signs of hypothermia in older adults, a population particularly vulnerable to dangerous drops in body temperature. Elderly people lose heat more quickly and often have impaired temperature regulation due to chronic conditions, medications, and frailty, making hypothermia both common and difficult to detect without continuous monitoring. The new vest aims to provide an unobtrusive way to identify sustained temperature declines before they become life‑threatening.
The system is built around four miniature sensors called thermistors, each only one millimeter long and half a millimeter wide, which are embedded directly into the yarn of the garment. These sensors track body temperature over time and send data to a mobile device via Bluetooth. If the vest detects abnormal or prolonged temperature drops, it can raise an alert so that caregivers or family members can intervene. The thermistors are encapsulated in resin to make them fully washable and are covered with a polyester braid to ensure durability and comfort.
The team emphasizes that the vest is intended to support older individuals who may live alone or be unable to recognize the onset of hypothermia themselves. By integrating the sensors directly into the textile structure rather than attaching external electronics, the vest maintains the feel of normal clothing while providing continuous physiological monitoring. This approach also reduces the risk of device failure due to moisture or movement.
Hypothermia remains a significant but often overlooked risk for older adults, especially during winter months or in poorly heated homes. The vest’s ability to detect sustained temperature changes rather than momentary fluctuations makes it more reliable for identifying genuine danger. The researchers note that the technology could eventually be incorporated into a range of garments or used in care facilities to improve safety and reduce preventable deaths.
Article from Nottingham Trent University: Smart vest to prevent hypothermia deaths in elderly
