The Toll of Global Warming on Older Generations

Authored by: Anis Hadi

Art by: Amy Em

Climate change has been a growing global concern for decades, and its effects are becoming increasingly visible in communities around the world. Scientists project that Earth’s average global temperature could rise by an additional 4°C (7.2°F) during the 21st century if greenhouse gas emissions continue at their current rate [1]. Rising temperatures are already endangering millions, creating serious risks to public health and disproportionately impacting vulnerable populations such as older adults. The climate crisis is a health crisis, and older people are among those suffering the most severe consequences.

Recent data illustrate just how dangerous climate change has become. A multi-state analysis found that the risk of emergency room visits for heat related illnesses increased by 9 percent for every 10 °C rise in heat index among older adults [2]. This statistic highlights how even small temperature increases can have major consequences for this vulnerable population. Older adults are more susceptible to heat stress due to a combination of factors: chronic health conditions, reduced sweating ability, and limited access to air conditioning. What feels like a typical hot summer day for one person can quickly become life-threatening for older adults. To add, a 2024 study on Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 and older found that on days defined as heat waves, heat-related emergency department visits rose by 10 percent, and hospitalizations increased by 7 percent amongst this age group [3]. These numbers highlight just how dangerous extreme heat waves can be for older populations, even in countries like the United States with more advanced healthcare systems. If American seniors are facing rising hospitalizations, what happens to those in nations with less developed medical infrastructure?

In Dezful, Iran, a study found that during heat waves, individuals over the age of 75 experienced a significantly higher increase in hospital admissions for cardiovascular diseases in comparison to other age groups [4]. This finding highlights the increased risk older adults face in extreme heat. In a city like Dezful, where the average temperature during the day in June-August is 46° C (~115° F) with no rain [5], even moderate heat waves can have devastating health impacts on the elderly. While similar trends are likely seen globally, the impact in Iran is far more serious because the country’s medical infrastructure isn’t as advanced as it is in the United States. Limited access to air conditioning, emergency response, and specialized cardiac treatment mean that without adequate medical support, older adults in regions like Dezful face escalating health risks with few resources to manage them. Beyond Iran, this pattern of countries with limited access to healthcare extends across sub-Saharan Africa with countries such as the Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Liberia facing similar challenges, putting their older populations at higher risk. 

Now, what is being done to mitigate these risks? In fact, scientists and healthcare professionals are turning to innovation to protect older adults from rising temperatures. For example, a research team at the University of Arizona has been developing advanced medical alert systems that go beyond the traditional “emergency button” for seniors. Their latest project integrates heat-stroke detection into wearable wristbands that monitor temperature and vital signs in real time [6]. If the device detects signs of heat distress, it automatically alerts medical professionals through a connected app, which allows for intervention and medical care before symptoms worsen [6]. In terms of accessibility, this product will, unfortunately, be expensive. Another limitation to this idea is the fact that as technology advances, older generations lose the ability to adapt with these technologies, creating this barrier between them and their ability to properly use new technology.

However, through support from the government, subsidization could be the key to helping all older adults get access to a wristband to protect our most vulnerable population. By receiving support from countries’ governments, companies producing these wristbands can provide them at a reduced cost or even free of charge to low-income seniors, ensuring equal access to life-saving technology. Additionally, implementing educational initiatives and community training programs across the world can help older adults learn how to use these wristbands effectively in case of emergency. This technology has the power to revolutionize medical care for the elderly– not only for heat-related illnesses but also for a range of other medical conditions and emergencies. 

Innovations like this represent a major step toward improving healthcare for vulnerable populations in a warming world. As global temperatures continue to rise, early-detection technologies could mean the difference between life and death for millions. However, innovation alone is not enough. Addressing the health impacts of the climate crisis requires global commitment, equitable infrastructure, and policies that prioritize the protection of at-risk communities. If we fail to act, the silent suffering of our most vulnerable population will be louder than any alarm, reminding us that inaction costs lives. 

References

1. UCAR. (2021). Predictions of Future Global Climate. Scied.ucar.edu; UCAR. https://scied.ucar.edu/learning-zone/climate-change-impacts/predictions-future-global-climate 

2. Jung, Y. S., Choma, E., Delaney, S., Mork, D., Audirac, M., Braun, D., Kessler, W., Coull, B., Nadeau, K., & Antonella Zanobetti. (2025). Extreme heat and hospital admissions in older adults: A small-area analysis in the Greater Boston metropolitan area. Environmental Epidemiology, 9(3), e395–e395.https://doi.org/10.1097/ee9.000000000 0000395

3. Kim, H., Yoo, E.-H., Senders, A., Sergi, C., Dodge, H. H., Bell, S. A., & Hart, K. D. (2024). Heat Waves and Adverse Health Events Among Dually Eligible Individuals 65 Years and Older. JAMA Health Forum, 5(11), e243884–e243884. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamahealthforum.2024.3884

4. Hamidreza Aghababaeian, Rahim Sharafkhani, Nasim Hamidipour, & Ladan Araghi Ahvazi. (2025). Analyzing cardiovascular disease hospitalization risks due to cold and heat waves in Dezful. Scientific Reports, 15(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-987 36-z

5. WWO.BLL.Weather.bllGlobalResources.GetGlobalResourceValue("Default_Title. (2025). Dezful Weather Averages - Khuzestan, IR. Worldweatheronline.com. https://www.worldweatheronline.com/dezful-weather-averages/khuzestan/ir.aspx

6. Villarreal, P. (2025, October 9). A collective approach to help vulnerable people survive extreme heat. Research and Partnerships. https://research.arizona.edu/news/collective-approach-help-vulnerable-people-survive-extreme-heat