Lethal Heat Waves Threaten Vulnerable Elderly Populations Worldwide

As the climate continues to warm, heat waves are becoming more frequent, intense, and long-lasting, posing severe health risks for older populations.
The majority of deaths during heat waves occur among elderly individuals, especially those without access to air conditioning.
Chronic health conditions common in older age groups are exacerbated by extreme heat, and hot weather can lead to life-threatening illnesses like heat stroke if proper safety precautions are not taken.
Cities and local governments are working to implement measures to protect at-risk groups during heat waves, including opening cooling centers, improving emergency alert systems, and providing resources like bottled water and AC unit repair.
Global warming is causing heat waves to become more severe over time; some models predict heat waves could become up to three times as deadly in the coming decades compared to today.