A new study has revealed that the risks older persons face due to climate change are shaped not only by age-related issues but also by the intersection of multiple factors including gender, impairment, poverty, living arrangements, and geographic location.
Heat Stress and Housing Challenges
The study, titled 'Climate Resilient Ageing: Ensuring Care, Dignity & Agency', was released this week by HelpAge India, a non-profit organisation working with and for older people in India. It highlighted that heat stress poses major challenges for older persons, particularly those living in kutcha or poorly ventilated houses.
Study Coverage and Key Findings
The research covered more than 2,200 older persons aged 60 years or above across 20 districts in 10 states: Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Uttarakhand.
The study found that older persons living alone (13 per cent), widows (33 per cent), those aged 80 and above (28 per cent), and older persons with cognitive, communication, or mental health difficulties (12 per cent) face disproportionately greater challenges and risks.
Impact on Health and Well-being
Rohit Prasad, CEO of HelpAge India, stated, "Older persons are among those most at risk from rising climate shocks, particularly those living alone or with impairments, and yet they remain largely invisible in climate response efforts. Climate impacts extend far beyond physical hazards, affecting health, income, housing, care and social well-being."
The analysis highlighted that while most older persons affected by heatwaves stay indoors (90 per cent) and increase water intake (81 per cent), illness still rises (74 per cent), existing conditions worsen (44 per cent), and healthcare access becomes difficult (33 per cent).
Long-term Impairments and Healthcare Access
It also noted that nearly half of surveyed older persons live with long-term impairments, mainly mobility (32 per cent) and vision (24 per cent). However, many struggle to access essential healthcare, with more than half (52 per cent) unable to afford medicines.
"While government schemes provide a critical safety net, a more multi-pronged approach is needed with targeted interventions at household, community and institutional levels, alongside improving access to welfare schemes. Integrating aging into climate adaptation, climate financing, elder-centric disaster risk reduction and social protection policies is essential," said Prasad.
