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Global climate and health data show consistent declines in exposure to and health effects of extreme heat or cold among older adults, reports the January issue of the
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
"Our findings reveal declining global burden of environmental heat and cold exposure [EHCE], but rising risks in rapidly aging, high-income regions," according to the report by Hai-Feng Pan of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China, and colleagues. Using the
Global Disease Burden database, they analyzed trends in EHCE exposure and related health outcomes in adults aged 55 years and older from 1990 to 2021.
Data from 1990 to 1999 showed an upward trend in global incidence of EHCE in older adults, possibly reflecting "early signs of global climate change." However, subsequent years saw progressive decreases in extreme temperature exposure—likely due to initial efforts to mitigate the impact of climate change.
Overall incidence of EHCE decreased by an annual average percentage of 1.46%. As exposure decreased, so did adverse health effects related to extreme heat or cold.
While both sexes had declines in ECHE exposure, the decrease was slightly greater in men, narrowing the gender gap. The 55-to-59 age group had the largest decrease in ECHE exposure, but those aged 60 years or older remained at higher risk.
On socioeconomic analysis (based on the Sociodemographic Index), high-middle income countries had a greater decline in ECHE exposure, whereas high-income nations had the smallest decrease. On regional analysis, East Asia had the greatest decrease in ECHE exposure, followed by Tropical and Central Latin America. In contrast, high-income countries in the Asia Pacific region showed increased exposure to extreme temperatures, with a trend toward increased mortality and other health impacts.
With accelerating climate change, extreme weather events have become more frequent, including ECHE. Older adults are particularly vulnerable to extreme temperatures due to aging-related changes in physiology and ability to adapt to environmental changes.
The new research is the first comprehensive assessment of the health impact of EHCE in an aging global population. The researchers conclude: "This study underscores the critical need for tailored climate adaptation policies that address regional disparities and prioritize aging populations, integrating environmental, health, and socioeconomic dimensions to effectively mitigate EHCE-related health risks in an era of climate change."
About the Author
Prof. Hai-Feng Pan may be contacted for interviews at panhaifeng1982(at)sina.com or panhaifeng(at)ahmu.edu.cn