Center for Climate Change and Health Research (CCCHR)

IntroductionThe simultaneous global trends of climate change and population aging represent one of the greatest public health challenges of our time. As life expectancy continues to rise, the population aged 65 years and older is projected to reach approximately 1.5 billion by 2050. Understanding the complex relationship between climate and aging has therefore become a key priority in public health.Extreme weather events such as heat waves, cold spells, droughts, wildfires, and air pollution are closely linked to increased morbidity and mortality among older adults.

Factors Increasing Vulnerability

• Gender: Women are generally more susceptible to heat and air pollution due to physiological differences.
• Age: The oldest old (aged 85 years and above) face the highest risk of heat- and cold-related mortality.
• Socioeconomic status: Low-income individuals have limited access to cooling systems, ventilation, and healthcare services.
• Education: Older adults with lower educational attainment and social isolation tend to adopt fewer preventive behaviors against climate-related hazards.

Common Health Impacts among Older AdultsThe health effects of climate change on older adults can be categorized into four major groups:

1. Cardiovascular diseases:
   • Increased risk of heart attacks, heart failure, hypertension, and stroke associated with temperature fluctuations.
   • Even a 1 °C rise in average summer temperature has been linked to a 2–2.5% increase in mortality.
2. Respiratory diseases:
   • Exacerbation of chronic respiratory conditions such as COPD and pneumonia during heat waves or episodes of air pollution.
   • Smoke from wildfires has been associated with higher hospitalization rates, particularly among older women.
3. Renal diseases:
   • Heat exposure and dehydration can trigger acute kidney injury (AKI) and impair renal function, especially among patients taking antihypertensive medications.
4. Mental and cognitive disorders:
   • Higher temperatures are correlated with increased hospital admissions due to depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder.
   • Rising and fluctuating summer temperatures have also been linked to a greater risk of dementia.
5. Physical injuries:
   • Strong winds and extreme weather events are associated with a higher incidence of hip fractures among older adults.

Conclusion and Policy Implications

1. Climate change exerts significant and multifaceted impacts on the health of older adults.
2. These effects are both direct (e.g., heat stress) and indirect (e.g., air pollution and psychological stress).
3. National strategies for adaptation and mitigation tailored to the needs of the elderly are urgently required.
4. Public education, climate-resilient infrastructure, and the expansion of geriatric healthcare services should be prioritized.
5. Promoting climate and health equity is essential to protect vulnerable populations from the growing threats of climate change.

Reference :Figueiredo T, Midão L, Rocha P, Cruz S, Lameira G, Conceição P, Ramos RJG, Batista L, Corvacho H, Almada M, Martins A, Rocha C, Ribeiro A, Alves F, Costa E. The interplay between climate change and ageing: A systematic review of health indicators. PLoS One. 2024 Apr 24;19(4):e0297116.