Aging in a Changing Climate

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Canada is experiencing two major changes at the same time: an aging population and a changing climate. By 2040, approximately 10.7 million people will be 65 years and older, comprising a quarter of the national population [1].

Everybody ages, and everybody ages differently. Biological, physical, and socioeconomic factors all contribute to health and well-being as we grow older. This means while there is no typical blueprint for aging, we each experience the joys and challenges of aging in some form.

As climate change increases the severity and frequency of hazards such as heatwaves, wildfires, flooding, the impacts of these events can intersect with the challenges that come with aging, making them more difficult to manage. [2][3] How we live today and plan for the future will shape our health, independence, and longevity as we all grow older in a changing climate.

The Connection Between Climate Change and Aging

Dr. Masha Madani is an Associate Professor of Global Management Studies at the Ted Rogers School of Management at Toronto Metropolitan University. Her research focuses on impacts on aging populations and how we can design more resilient and sustainable systems to better protect our aging populations. According to Dr. Madani, “The connection between climate change and older adult health is mainly related to the fact that older adults are more vulnerable to environmental stress.”

Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of events such as heat waves, floods, wildfires, and poor air quality, which all have effects on our health. Dr. Madani points out that there are many physical and mental factors associated with aging that can make these climate-related risks more challenging to navigate, and in some cases more dangerous. These factors can include chronic health conditions, difficulty regulating body temperatures, reduced mobility, and cognitive impairment.

For example, consider the challenges people face when climate related hazards occur. Dr. Madani explains, “During a heatwave, older adults are at a higher risk of dehydration, heat stroke or heart or respiratory problems. Older adults who have disabilities or cognitive impairments cannot respond quickly during emergencies, and older adults who live alone or in long-term care facilities may not receive timely support during disasters.”

The unique way the individuals age means that everyone experiences climate related events differently.

Read More: Changing bodies and the challenges of aging

We experience both physical and mental changes as we age, and some changes can make us more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Below are some challenges people may be dealing with as they age, and may affect how they can respond to climate change.

Temperature Regulation:

As people age, their bodies are less able to handle extreme temperatures. Older adults sweat less and have reduced blood flow to the skin, making it harder to cool down in hot weather [2][5][6]. Many also take medications that can affect hydration, circulation, or body temperature [2][5]. In addition, older adults may not feel heat as quickly, increasing the risk of cramps, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke. For more information on heat, watch the video Heatwaves, Health, and the Air Conditioning Dilemma.

Sensitivity to cold may also increase with age. Loss of body fat and reduced circulation associated with aging make it harder to stay warm [2][5][6]. Cold weather puts extra strain on the heart, and activities like shoveling snow can sharply increase blood pressure and the risk of heart attacks, especially for those with conditions such as obesity, diabetes, or high cholesterol [8].

Chronic Conditions & Immune System

Chronic illnesses become more common with age. Conditions such as heart disease, respiratory illness, and diabetes can worsen with extreme weather [2][5][6]. As we age, our immune systems weaken, making infections harder to fight [5], which becomes problematic as climate change and other human activity increase the range and prevalence of many infectious diseases. See our resources on climate change and infectious diseases and zoonotic infectious diseases.

Cognitive Impairment

Dementia and other cognitive conditions can make it difficult for older adults to recognize danger, follow safety warnings, or take action during climate emergencies [2][5][6]. Stress from extreme weather events can worsen cognitive symptoms and may contribute to long-term decline [9][10]. People with dementia face higher hospitalization risks during extreme heat [11].

Mobility Limitations

As we age and our bodies slow down, movement can become more challenging. Limited physical mobility or relying on mobility aids can make it more difficult to get around. During extreme weather events that cause emergencies, limited mobility can make it harder to access food, medications, healthcare, or evacuation routes, especially for older adults who live alone or do not drive. Additionally, climate hazards such as freezing rain and rain-on-snow can increase the risk of falls and injuries, as surfaces become slippery and uneven [2][5].

How Social Factors Shape Climate Risk in Older Age

Social and cultural factors are also important contributors to our individual and collective health. Elements of our lives, such as demographic characteristics, income, housing, education, access to care, and community networks and social support shape how exposed we are to climate hazards and how well we can adapt to them. These factors can intersect with the physical and mental changes we experience as we age, further contributing to climate-related health risks among older adults.

Dr. Mandani emphasises that climate impacts are not experienced equally by everyone, and the differences in social factors play a large role. She explains that “Older adults who are socially isolated or economically disadvantaged often experience far greater impacts. Climate change is not only an environmental issue, but also a social and health equity challenge.”

Age, alongside characteristics like race/ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and economic stability, are identity factors that are considered social determinants of health. As Dr. Mandani notes that these factors intersect to influence the health and well-being of individuals. To read more on health equity, social determinants of health, and climate change go to the article Health Equity in a Changing Climate.

Ageism in Decision Making

Discrimination or bias based on how we think, feel, and act towards others due to their age is referred to as ageism [20]. Ageism is present in many places in society and contributes to the potential risk older individuals face from climate change. This form of discrimination occurs at both the individual and community level, and within our political, educational, and social institutions.

These views often overlook the diversity of older adults, and exclude them from decision-making processes, despite being one of the highest-risk groups impacted by climate change [22]. Dr. Mandani notes that here in Canada we still have work to do to ensure everyone’s experiences are considered equally. According to Dr. Mandani, “Canada’s current policies actually overlook climate justice. Climate justice means making sure that climate change policies and actions are fair, and that vulnerable populations like older adults are protected from the harms of the climate crisis.” She believes we can do better, “Many policies are still general population-focused rather than age-specific. So older adults who have unique vulnerabilities, such as chronic diseases, limited mobility, social isolation, and so on, do not always get their needs addressed directly”.

Because the perspective of older adults are often not included in planning processes, they may be overlooked during emergencies, with fewer resources directed towards their needs. [23] Exclusion of these voices means losing out on the valuable strengths they bring to the conversation including life experience, long-term perspectives, historical knowledge, and strong community ties.

Read More: Social Factors that can contribute to vulnerability

Many social factors shape who we are and how we live our lives. Some of these factors also change over time as we age. Below are a few examples of the social factors that can affect how we experience climate change.

Isolation & Dependence

Older adults are more likely than younger people to live alone or with another older person [5]. During extreme weather events, isolation can increase risk, especially for those who depend on others for daily care and support. When caregiving systems are disrupted this can leave individuals without essential daily support.

Older adults with limited mobility, low incomes, or higher care needs are less able to cope with climate-related emergencies. Power outages can also pose serious risks for older adults who rely on electricity for air conditioning, medical devices, or refrigerated medications [3][5]. Those who live in rural areas may face longer outages and delayed emergency responses, further increasing danger.

Economic Insecurity

As we age, it becomes more and more likely that we leave the workforce, either through retirement or physically being unable to work. This means changes in the flow of income as individuals move onto fixed incomes or relying on social security.

Older adults with low incomes face greater risks during extreme weather. For example, staying safe during heat waves often requires air conditioning, which can be expensive, or accessing cooling spaces, which can be challenging [5]. For those on fixed incomes, this can force difficult choices between safety and basic needs.

Gender

Due to long-standing structural factors that women experience over the course of their entire life, such as the gender-pay-gap or gender norms that prioritize caregiving roles over workforce participation; older women are more likely than men to face poverty and may have fewer resources to recover after climate-related disasters [13].

On average, the life expectancy of a woman is approximately 5 years longer than a man. This gap leads to an increased likelihood of older women living alone, which contributes to vulnerability in climate related events. They are also more affected by extreme heat and are over-represented in heat-related deaths, partly because more older women live alone [14].

During climate emergencies, older women may face higher levels of loneliness and reduced access to emergency and home-care services [14]

Race & Ethnicity

Older adults from racialized communities are often more exposed to climate risks due to long-standing social and structural factors. They are more likely to live in poorer-quality housing, near pollution, and in areas with limited access to cooling and healthcare [15]. They may also face language and cultural barriers that make it harder to access climate-related information and emergency services [16]. These communities also often experience higher rates of chronic illnesses and stress during and after climate disasters, especially when recovery resources are limited.

Indigeneity

Climate change is threatening key parts of Indigenous life, including food systems, water, air quality, and land that holds cultural and spiritual meaning [17][18][19]. For Indigenous Elders and older adults, disruptions to hunting, fishing, harvesting, and land-based knowledge sharing can cause emotional harm, loss of identity, and reduced community connection. Many Indigenous communities face ongoing health inequities rooted in historical legacies, limited infrastructure, and higher rates of chronic disease, which can worsen climate-related impacts.

Intersectionality

Many people experience one or more of these factors at the same time. The factors can combine and interact to make everyone’s experiences different. Read more about intersectionality in the article Health Equity in a Changing Climate.

Aging in Place Under Climate Stress

The majority of Canadians want to age in their own homes and communities as they grow older, promoting independence, identity, and social connection [24]. Aging in place can be difficult at the best of times, and the many impacts of climate change can make this goal even more difficult to achieve.

Many homes are not built to withstand the changes we are already experiencing in Canada, such as more extreme heatwaves or poor air quality from wildfire smoke [3][25]. During extreme weather events, older adults may spend more time indoors, which can reduce physical activity and social interaction, both of which are essential for healthy aging [5]. Climate events can also disrupt home care, transportation, and medication delivery, making it harder to live independently.

This desire to age in place despite the impacts of climate change demonstrates the need to better consider how we plan to support a healthy aging population.

Building Climate-Resilient, Age-Friendly Communities

We can better respond to climate change and support healthy aging by addressing both environmental risks and social inequality. Building climate-resilient, age friendly communities requires action at individual, community and system levels [3][12][27].

At the individual level, many older adults are deeply concerned about climate change and are active in advocacy, community, and knowledge sharing [6][21][22]. This is rooted in a motivation to protect future generations and pass on knowledge and values [6][21][22]. Working across generations can offer a meaningful pathway for mentorship and knowledge sharing and reduce ageism. For a more in-depth perspective read an excerpt from our conversation with Victor Dorian, a senior climate action advocate based in Edmonton, Alberta.

Community level collaboration is essential to integrate community perspectives and priorities into planning and build knowledge and awareness to empower older adults to confidently respond to potential climate change impacts. For a more in-depth perspective on community led partnerships read an excerpt from our conversation with Dr. Mei Fang, Assistant Professor, Urban Studies and Gerontology at Simon Fraser University and the Co-Lead of the COALESCE (Championing Older Adults for Leadership in Environmental Sustainability and Climate Empowerment) Research Project.

Systems level change is essential to improve the health and well-being of populations as we age in a changing climate. This involves collaboration between communities, researchers, and policy makers to move knowledge and research into policy and practice. For a more in-depth perspective on community led partnerships read an excerpt from our conversation with Dr. Mahsa Mandani, Associate Professor at the Ted Rogers School of Management in Global Management Studies.

Across each of these levels of actions we see key priorities emerge to support the health and well-being of populations as we age. These include:

  • Supporting policies that promote healthy aging
  • Making homes and long-term care facilities climate-resilient and age-friendly
  • Designing cities with more green spaces, accessible transportation, cooling centres, and public amenities to reduce heat and improve safety during extreme weather
  • Ensuring access to health and social services during emergencies
  • Offering community and peer-support programs to reduce social isolation
  • Developing emergency plans with clear, plain-language climate-health information
  • Engaging healthcare providers to help older adults prepare for climate risks and check-in on those most at risk

How we respond to climate change will determine how well we are supported as we age as individuals and as societies. Working across generations is essential to building resilient communities where people of all ages can thrive now and in the future.

Read More: Host an Intergenerational Conversation Café

Because everyone is aging, climate change will affect us differently throughout our lives. Talking about these differences can help us build empathy for one another as we learn to better understand and take care of each other in a changing climate. We have developed a flexible set of resources to support the planning, facilitation, and evaluation of intergenerational conversation cafés. These include guidance on creating respectful and inclusive spaces, practical tools such as agendas and note taking approaches, and adaptable conversation prompts to help guide discussions on climate change. Explore the Conversation Cafe toolkit series

References

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