Global Warming and the Elderly: A Socio-Ecological Framework

Problem Statement: Two global trends, including aging populations and the acceleration of global warming, are increasing the risk of heat-related illness, challenging the health of populations, and the sustainability of healthcare systems. Global warming refers to the increase in the Earth’s average surface temperature, generally attributed to the greenhouse effect, which is occurring at three times the rate of the pre-industrial era. The global population of older adults, defined here as individuals aged 60 and over, is expected to reach over 2 billion by mid-century. This population is particularly vulnerable to heat-related illness, specifically disruption of thermoregulation from excessive exposure to environmental heat due to metabolic and cognitive changes associated with aging. Objectives: This review examines heat-related illness and its impact on older adults within a socio-ecological framework, considering both drivers and mitigation strategies related to global warming, the built environment, social determinants of health, healthcare system responses, and the individual. The authors were motivated to create a conceptual model within this framework drawing on their lived experiences as healthcare providers interacting with older adults in a large urban area of the southwestern US, known for its extreme heat and extensive heat island effects. Based on this framework, the authors suggest actionable strategies supported by the literature to reduce the risks of morbidity and mortality. Methods: The literature search utilized a wide lens to identify evidence supporting various aspects of the hypothesized framework. In this sense, this review differs from systematic and scoping reviews, which seek a complete synthesis of the available literature or a mapping of the evidence. The first author conducted the literature search and synthesis, while the second and third authors reviewed and added publications to the initial search and conceptualized the socio-ecological framework. Discussion: This study is unique in its focus on a global trend that threatens the well-being of a growing population. The population health focus underscores social determinants of health and limitations of existing healthcare systems to guide healthcare providers in reducing older adults’ vulnerability to heat-related illness. This includes patient education regarding age-related declines in extreme heat tolerance, safe and unsafe physical activity habits, the impact of prescription drugs on heat tolerance, and, importantly, identifying the symptoms of heatstroke, which is a medical emergency. Additional strategies for improving survivability and quality of life for this vulnerable population include improved emergency response systems, better social support, and closer attention to evidence-based treatment for heat-related health conditions.