Heat, Health, and Isolation: Understanding Elderly Vulnerability in a Warming World

Older adults face unique vulnerabilities to climate change due to a combination of physical, social, and economic factors. These vulnerabilities are often exacerbated by pre-existing health conditions, reduced mobility, and limited access to resources.

Physical Vulnerabilities: Health Risks and Mobility Challenges

Older adults are more susceptible to the health impacts of extreme climate events due to chronic conditions such as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. For example:

• Heatwaves: High temperatures can exacerbate heart and lung conditions by diminishing their ability to regulate temperature and increasing risk of dehydration. During the 2003 European heatwave, 70% of the 14,800 excess deaths in France occurred among those aged 75 and older (WHO,2004).

  
  

• Air Pollution: Exposure to wildfire smoke and particulate matter (PM2.5) disproportionately impacts older adults with pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. For instance, California´s 2020 wildfire season saw significant spikes in hospital admissions among older adults due to record-breaking PM2.5 pollution.

  
  

• Mobility Issues: Reduced physical endurance complicates evacuation during emergencies like floods or hurricanes, leaving older individuals more exposed to harm.

  
  

Economic Vulnerabilities: Limited Financial Resilience

Older adults in developing regions often rely on subsistence farming, informal work, or small savings, leaving them with limited financial resilience.

Informal Economies: In sub-Saharan Africa, over 80% of older adults work in informal sectors, where they lack access to pensions or insurance. Climate events like droughts or floods can wipe out livelihoods, leaving them unable to rebuild or secure basic necessities.

Even in developing countries, many older adults that live on fixed incomes are facing the rising costs associated with climate adaptation-such as purchasing insurance, repairing homes, or relocating-can be prohibitive. This financial constrains exacerbates their vulnerability to climate impacts.

Social Vulnerabilities: Isolation and Access to Support

Social isolation is a significant risk factor for older adults during climate-related emergencies. Many live alone or have limited social networks, which can delay their access to warnings, assistance, or evacuation services. This isolation can be particularly dangerous during extreme weather events or prolonged power outages.