Rising heat and wildfires pose increasing risks to the elderly

As extreme heat events and wildfires become more frequent and intense, America’s growing elderly population faces escalating health and safety threats.

Sharon Udasin reports for The Hill.

In short:

• Older adults are especially vulnerable to heat-related injuries, which are increasing alongside global temperature rises.
• Heat exacerbates existing health conditions in older adults, potentially causing thousands of additional deaths annually.
• Community centers with air conditioning and regular check-ins by family or neighbors can help mitigate risks.

Key quote:

“It’s easy to say, ‘Oh, buy central air,’ but people are struggling financially everywhere, so it’s just not an easy fix.”

— Ian Neel, geriatrician and associate professor at UC San Diego School of Medicine

Why this matters:

Extreme heat and wildfires disproportionately endanger older adults, who are less able to cope with these conditions due to mobility issues and chronic health problems. Community support and awareness can significantly reduce heat-related health risks for the elderly.