Aging population at heightened risk of intense heat, as per United Nations report
In a world where over half the global population already resides in cities, and this figure is projected to reach 68% by 2050, a new report by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) sheds light on significant risks that the elderly are facing in urban areas, particularly during extreme weather events exacerbated by climate change.
The report highlights the multifaceted risks that older adults in urban areas are facing, with heat stress and heat-related illnesses being a major concern. Due to reduced physiological capacity to regulate body temperature, older adults are especially vulnerable during heatwaves, which are increasing in frequency and intensity due to climate change. In fact, heat-related mortality for people aged 65 and older has increased by more than 50% globally over recent decades.
Extreme heat and cold waves can also trigger or worsen cardiovascular diseases and respiratory conditions common among the elderly. Cold waves have been shown to increase cardiovascular incidence significantly among those aged 65+. Moreover, older adults often exhibit lower mobility resilience in the aftermath of extreme weather events like hurricanes, limiting their ability to evacuate or access help. Social support networks tend to be weaker in older neighborhoods, compounding vulnerability.
Urban areas tend to experience higher heat exposure due to the urban heat island effect, which disproportionately impacts elderly residents, leading to increased health risks like central nervous system disorders and other heat-associated illnesses. Aging populations already experience a higher prevalence of chronic diseases such as diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancer, which can be aggravated by climate-related stressors, adding pressure on healthcare systems.
However, the report also presents solutions to mitigate these risks. Adapted healthcare systems, strengthening community support and social networks, inclusive policy development, and interdisciplinary research and community engagement are all crucial components in building resilient and supportive environments for elderly people in urban areas vulnerable to extreme weather due to climate change and demographic shifts.
Recent studies, such as the one conducted on the European heatwave in 12 major cities, have shown that 88% of the estimated deaths from late June to early July were in the 65 and older age group. In the summer of 2022, more than 60,000 people died in Europe from heat, half of whom were due to climate change. Heatwaves and floods are among the most frequent and deadly consequences of climate change, and older people with chronic illnesses, frailty, or mobility restrictions are particularly susceptible to heat-related health issues such as respiratory, cardiovascular, and metabolic diseases.
To combat these rising risks, coordinated efforts across government, healthcare providers, urban planners, and communities are essential. More green spaces, water bodies, and airflow corridors can help mitigate the urban heat island effect and reduce heat-related illnesses and deaths. High humidity increases health risks by limiting the body's ability to cool itself through sweating, making it crucial to address this issue in urban planning and policy development.
The UNEP's Executive Director, Inger Andersen, stated that these impacts bring significant risks, particularly for vulnerable groups like the elderly. As the world continues to urbanise and our elderly population grows, it is essential that we prioritise their safety and wellbeing in the face of climate change.
- The report underscores the role of climate change in exacerbating heat-related illnesses, a significant risk for older adults in urban areas, who are especially vulnerable due to reduced physiological capacity to regulate body temperature.
- The environmental science field also emphasizes the importance of addressing the urban heat island effect, a phenomenon that leads to higher heat exposure for elderly residents in cities, increasing the risk of central nervous system disorders and other heat-associated illnesses.
- Recognizing the interconnection between climate change, aging, and health-and-wellness, the UNEP's Executive Director, Inger Andersen, advocates for prioritizing the safety and wellbeing of our elderly population in urban areas by employing solutions from various fields, such as science, healthcare, urban planning, and policy development.
