A study published in Nature Communications reveals that by 2050, an additional 246 million adults aged 69 and older could face extreme heat, with temperatures exceeding 37.5° Celsius. This increase represents more than 23 percent of the global population of older adults, primarily concentrated in Africa and Asia. Vulnerability to extreme heat poses health risks for older adults, as their bodies are less efficient at regulating temperature, and they may have chronic illnesses or take medications that exacerbate the effects of heat. Social isolation and cognitive impairments can also increase their susceptibility to heat-related complications.
Research projections indicate a rise in chronic heat exposure and acute heat exposure due to climate change by 2050. Chronic heat exposure, which assesses the average temperature exceeding a threshold of comfort, is expected to increase globally. Similarly, the number of days each year with temperatures exceeding 37.5° C is projected to double, with more regions experiencing extreme heat events. This intensification of heatwaves and higher temperatures will have a significant impact on health, particularly for older adults who are at a heightened risk of heat-related illnesses.
The study analyzed the interactions between population aging and increasing heat exposure in different regions worldwide. Countries in the Global South with historically warmer climates are expected to see a growing aging population, while regions in the Global North, which are colder, will experience more heat extremes. Addressing the risks associated with rising temperatures requires a multi-faceted approach, including strengthening healthcare services, promoting hydration and nutrition, implementing early warning systems for heatwaves, establishing cooling centers, and enhancing green spaces to mitigate urban heat island effects.
Climate change researcher, Giacomo Falchetta, emphasizes the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to minimize the increasing heat exposure faced by older adults. Despite uncertainties in climate projections, the necessity of planning and preparing for the needs of aging populations is paramount. The implications of these findings underscore the urgency for governments and communities to take proactive measures in adapting to the challenges posed by extreme heat events and safeguarding the health and well-being of older adults in the future. By recognizing the intersecting factors of demographic shifts and climate change, societies can develop comprehensive strategies to address the vulnerabilities of older populations in a warming world.
