SmartAging Podcast #30 - Indoor hygiene and elderly care

In this SmartAging podcast episode we discussed with Merja Ahonen, Principal Researcher at SAMK’s WANDER Research Center., about her work, indoor hygiene and its importance for older adults. WANDER’s research focuses on indoor hygiene, water, materials, and the bioeconomy. The team comprises professionals with diverse interdisciplinary expertise in engineering and the natural sciences. Further information https://www.wander.fi/en/.

The interview was conducted in Finnish, but video includes both Finnish and English transciptions. You can also find short summary of discussion below.

What do we talk about when we discuss indoor hygiene?

Indoor hygiene goes beyond hand hygiene. It involves preventing the spread of microbes and infections through solutions in the built environment, including indoor air quality, surfaces, and water systems. Examples include air purifiers, antimicrobial surfaces, and water system designs that reduce microbial growth.

How this relates to aging?

The topic is especially important for older adults because aging weakens the immune system, making infections more likely and recovery slower. In care homes, residents spend most of their time indoors and often share common spaces, which increases the risk of disease transmission, while individuals living in familiar environments with familiar microbies, experience lower infection pressure.

Merja highlights several challenges in care facilities, such as staff shortages, limited time for cleaning and hand hygiene. Different disorders and limitations, such as memory disorders, can make personal hygiene more difficult for residents. These factors can contribute to the spread of infections.

What measurements we should make to improve indoor hygiene?

The key to improve indoor hygiene is to maintain a good cleaning and hand hygiene practices while also using proven technological solutions, such as antimicrobial coatings and air purification systems. However, these measures should be implemented in a cost-effective and evidence-based way. Merja also notes that for example effectiveness of antimicrobial coatings varies, and they must be properly tested for both safety and performance. Importantly, antimicrobial surfaces do not replace regular cleaning.

In conclusion, Merja emphasizes that the goal of indoor hygiene is not to create sterile environments. Microbes are a natural and necessary part of life. The goal is to manage their levels and reduce the risk of harmful infections, especially among vulnerable older populations

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