Extreme heat is particularly hard on older adults, and an aging population and climate change are putting ever more people at risk
As researchers who study older adults’ health and climate change, we have found that two societal trends point to a potentially dire future: The population is getting older, and temperatures are rising.
- As researchers who study older adults’ health and climate change, we have found that two societal trends point to a potentially dire future: The population is getting older, and temperatures are rising.
- Some of the country’s hottest states, including Arizona, are forecast to see dramatic growth in their older adult populations.
- But heat isn’t just a problem in the South: Northern populations also face rising risks from extreme heat that many people aren’t accustomed to.
Why older adults face higher heat risks
- Older adults don’t sweat or cool down as efficiently as younger people.
- Heat stress can worsen underlying conditions like heart, lung and kidney disease, and extreme heat can trigger delirium.
- For older adults with physical health problems, temperatures as low as 80 degrees F (26.7 C) – to say nothing of 110 degrees – can pose a grave danger.
- Having to stay indoors all day to keep cool and enduring the stress of heat emergencies can make older adults depressed and isolated.
Drawn to high-risk regions
- Retirees are often drawn to the South’s sunny skies, low taxes and costs of living and amenities, like golf courses, beaches, health care facilities and age 55+ residential communities tailored to their needs.
- In Phoenix, the share of residents over age 65 is projected to rise from 10% of its 1.6 million residents today to roughly 17% by 2050.
- At the same time that these populations are rising, the number of days people will need air conditioning is rising, too.
Northern regions are at risk, too
- These regions – historically home to high shares of older adults – are projected to experience the steepest increases in heat exposure relative to temperatures historically experienced.
- For older adults with health conditions, a night of restless sleep may make one more depressed and confused during waking hours.
What you can do about it
- Be sensitive to symptoms like dizziness and call for medical attention as needed.
- Deborah Carr receives funding from National Institutes of Aging and RRF Foundation for Aging.
- Giacomo Falchetta receives funding from the Euro-Mediterranean Centre on Climate Change (CMCC).