Report predicts significant heat-related hazards for an aging populace
In recent years, Europe has witnessed a significant increase in temperatures, making it one of the continents experiencing the strongest rise in temperatures. This trend was particularly evident in the 2022 European heatwave, which resulted in over 60,000 heat-related deaths, according to a recent study. Shockingly, 88% of these estimated deaths occurred in the age group of 65 and above.
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has highlighted the risks and offered solutions for heatwaves and their impact on older people. Older people, especially those with chronic illnesses, frailty, or mobility restrictions, are particularly susceptible to heat-related health issues. Densely built-up cities, where balancing green spaces are lacking, heat up intensively during heatwaves, exacerbating the risks for older residents.
The UNEP report underscores the fact that older people are at a higher risk during various extreme weather conditions. The following year saw 47,000 heat-related deaths, a statistic that underscores the urgency of addressing this issue. High humidity, which impairs the body's ability to cool down through sweating, is an additional risk factor during heatwaves.
To tackle this escalating public health threat, the United Nations has recommended several key strategies. These include conducting city baseline heat risk assessments and mapping, setting clear heat-planning goals and metrics, implementing early warning systems and cooling centers, and incorporating structural measures like air conditioning, ventilation, reflective cool roofs, and cool pavements.
The recommendations also emphasise fostering community awareness and education programs, improving health management and urban planning, promoting multi-sectoral partnerships, and supporting the just transition away from fossil fuels and investing in renewable energy.
These measures aim to reduce the vulnerability of older people in cities, who face an estimated 85% rise in heat-related deaths since the 1990s. The approach combines immediate protective actions with long-term urban planning and climate mitigation efforts to address the growing threat of extreme heat in urbanized areas.
The 2005 Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans serves as a stark reminder of the disproportionate impact of extreme weather events on older populations. In this instance, 75% of the deaths were people over 60, despite only 16% of the affected population being in this age group.
As more people move to urban areas, with the expectation that 68% of the world's population will live in cities by 2050, it is crucial to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of older city dwellers. By implementing these recommendations, we can work towards creating more resilient and sustainable urban environments that protect our most vulnerable citizens.
- The community policy should prioritize the safety and wellbeing of older adults living in urban areas, as they are more susceptible to health risks during heatwaves and other extreme weather conditions.
- Employment policies should consider incorporating measures that improve health management and urban planning, promote city baseline heat risk assessments, and implement early warning systems and cooling centers to protect older workers.
- Further research on environmental-science, mental-health, aging, and health-and-wellness should focus on understanding the impacts of climate-change, particularly heatwaves, on older populations, and propose solutions to mitigate these risks effectively.
