Rising temperatures: older Australians and healthcare services at risk

Older people could face unique health challenges as temperatures rise and extreme weather events become more prevalent due to climate change.

Global warming is projected to cause over 250,000 additional deaths annually between 2030 and 2050, and older people are at a higher risk.

One study found the average death increased by 28 per cent among older Australians during heat waves across multiple major cities.

Director of the Planetary Health Equity Hothouse Professor Sharon Friel said climate change could undermine decades of progress in global health.

"Climate change is the greatest threat to human health," professor Friel said.

"We're going to see more people needing healthcare services in the future.

"Already healthcare professionals will be seeing the health impacts of climate change."

The world is expected to warm by more than 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels by 2027, according to a recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report.

Australia has warmed by over 1 °C since 1910, with most of the warming happening since 1950.

This has led to more frequent extreme heat events and intensified drought conditions – eight of Australia's top ten hottest years on record occurred after 2005.

As global temperatures rise, issues such as heat exhaustion and heat strokes could become more common among the older population.

Between 2000 and 2018, at least 473 heat-related deaths were reported in Australia, with another study estimating over 36,000 deaths associated with heat between 2006 and 2017.

During a heatwave in 2009 in Victoria, there was a 12 per cent increase in emergency department visits and 374 more deaths than usual for that time of year.

One study found that as temperatures rose, the number of people going to the emergency department increased, and they were sicker when they arrived. 

Professor Friel said Australia needed to prepare the healthcare system for the health problems associated with climate change.

"We need the healthcare system to be resilient," professor Friel said.

"By increasing capacity, expanding education and adaptation, we can ensure our healthcare system can respond appropriately to the health challenges brought about by a changing climate."

Older people are more prone to heat stress because they're less able to adjust to sudden changes in temperature and are more likely to live with a chronic condition.

Heat stress can also worsen pre-existing health conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, and heart disease, with older people especially susceptible to its adverse effects.

Determining excessive heat and dehydration can be challenging for older adults, especially with cognitive decline. 

Ageing bodies retain more heat, release less sweat, and have reduced circulation, making it challenging to regulate temperature effectively.

Warmer temperatures can also increase the spread of infectious diseases through disease-carrying organisms like mosquitoes and ticks, and lead to more cases of foodborne and waterborne illnesses.

Additionally, climate change contributes to air pollution through more frequent and severe bushfires, exacerbating respiratory conditions and cardiovascular problems.

According to a recent study, Australia's bushfire season has extended by nearly one month over the past forty years, now spanning 130 days per year.

By releasing large amounts of smoke and particulate matter into the air, pollution can exacerbate respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and allergies.

One study found that 97 per cent of people living near bushfires faced health complications due to smoke, and nearly 20 per cent had accessed healthcare services, of which most were aged over 65.

Research Fellow at the Planetary Health Equity Hothouse Megan Arthur said that collective action and coalitions were crucial in preparing the healthcare system for global warming.

"We need a political and policy framework to strengthen the healthcare system and reduce emissions," Ms Arthur said.

"We need to be champions for action across all sectors, calling for mitigation and fair adaptation."

Vulnerable populations, including older people, are impacted by climate change through limited access to healthcare, pre-existing health conditions, and social determinants of health.

Ms Arthur said equitable access to healthcare services and targeted interventions were essential.

"These impacts are inequitably distributed, driven by social, political, and economic systems," Ms Arthur said.

"The health impacts of climate change will grow for future generations."

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions, transitioning to renewable energy sources, and promoting sustainable practices are crucial steps in reversing climate change.

Ms Arthur highlighted that community awareness and education programs could empower the public to adopt climate-friendly behaviours and contribute to collective efforts in combating global warming.

By prioritising the health impacts of climate change, Australia can pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient future and protect vulnerable populations, she said.

"It's important to recognise that solving climate change is not solely an individual responsibility.

"But healthcare workers can start by advocating for action within their own circles, communities, and workplaces.

"Collective action and coalitions are crucial in addressing climate change." 

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