Title: Growing Climate Disasters Pose Increasing Threat to Older Adults’ Lives: Urgent Action Needed for Resilience
Climate change-driven disasters are on the rise, and they are endangering the lives of older adults at an alarming rate. The summer of 2023 served as a wake-up call, with a series of major climate-fueled disasters striking various parts of the nation. From devastating wildfires in Maui and Canadian wildfires affecting air quality in the northeastern U.S., to prolonged extreme heat in Phoenix and widespread flooding in Vermont caused by torrential rain – these events have wreaked havoc and caused immense damage.
As of early September, the United States had already endured 23 billion-dollar disasters, surpassing the previous annual average and the total number recorded in 2022. While the growing severity and frequency of climate disasters pose a threat to everyone, older adults are particularly vulnerable. Tragically, statistics from past disasters reveal that older adults accounted for a significant proportion of the fatalities. In Hurricane Katrina in 2005, for instance, two-thirds of the over 1,300 fatalities were individuals over the age of 60.
This trend persists over nearly 20 years of disasters, indicating a failure to adequately prepare for the new climate reality. It is now crucial for leaders to recognize the intersection between climate resilience and the aging population. Our society has experienced a dramatic demographic shift, with older adults becoming the fastest-growing group in the country. In approximately a decade, there will be more people over the age of 65 than those under the age of 18.
These intersecting trend lines emphasize the pressing need for a fresh perspective on resilience in the face of climate change. Local, regional, and state leaders must take action to plan for the future while acknowledging the unique challenges faced by older adults. Many among this age group live with health conditions that impede their mobility, both within and outside their homes. Moreover, a vast majority, 96 percent, prefer to age in their own homes rather than congregate settings. Additionally, older adults typically outlive their ability to drive by several years, making them reliant on others or public transit in times of emergency, which can be problematic.
Furthermore, financial constraints prevent many older adults from stockpiling supplies or fortifying their homes against potential disasters, let alone covering repair costs afterward. The 15 percent of older adults living at or below the poverty line are particularly vulnerable. Additionally, cognitive decline, including dementia and Alzheimer’s, affects one in nine people over the age of 65, impairing their ability to assess and mitigate risks. Limited access to the internet and smartphones further restricts their access to vital information and real-time community discussions during emergencies.
To build a more resilient future, leaders must anticipate and address the challenges faced by older adults. This includes creating affordable, accessible, and resilient housing through policy changes such as zoning regulations, enhanced building codes, and increased public funding. By doing so, the housing needs of older adults can be met while fostering social connectedness, which plays a crucial role in protecting lives.
To ensure both daily mobility and redundancy during emergencies, it is essential to provide alternatives to driving. This can be achieved by implementing accessible public transit with sheltered bus stops, as well as promoting walkable and bikeable routes. Additionally, local leaders must design comprehensive communication systems and community-based support networks. Home health aides should receive specialized training to anticipate and address the climate-related needs of older adults, ensuring timely information and assistance reaches them.
Addressing the climate resilience of an aging nation requires collaboration across various sectors, including utilities, healthcare providers, aging advocates, and emergency managers. Some communities have already taken the lead by prioritizing the needs of older adults in their planning efforts. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Washington, D.C., piloted the AlertDC program, which delivers emergency updates to residents via email, phone, and text to reach older adults effectively. In Austin, Texas, service agencies improved coordination to help older adults access emergency assistance. Similarly, San Francisco focused on the preparedness of older residents and individuals with disabilities by developing plans for the evacuation of those with limited mobility from multistory buildings.
Continued inaction will bring more of the same – increasingly intense weather events and disasters claiming the lives of older adults at disproportionate rates. It is imperative that communities and their leaders commit to a vision of climate resilience that truly considers and centers the needs of older adults in planning efforts. By implementing a comprehensive approach that encompasses housing, mobility, communication systems, and community support, we can build a more resilient future for all.
Danielle Arigoni, Managing Director of Policy and Solutions at the National Housing Trust, emphasizes the importance of addressing climate resilience for an aging nation. Her expertise lies in livable communities, affordable housing, and climate resilience. Arigoni recently published a book titled Climate Resilience for an Aging Nation.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors or management of Governing.
