Aging Initiative

Extreme weather events can be destructive to human health and well-being. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) predicts that extreme heat events will increase in frequency and duration due to global warming and due to such other factors, including:

• Urbanization and heat island effects
• Proportion of population 65+;
• Number of people living alone.

An increase in the frequency of extreme heat events may result in more event-related deaths, injuries, infectious diseases, and stress-related disorders. Older adults are more susceptible to adverse health effects from environmental stresses, including those related to climate change. The majority of persons who suffer and die during an extreme heat event are older adults. Lack of air conditioning increases the risk of heat-related illness.

The EPA and its partners developed a guidebook (PDF) (60pp, 711K,  About PDF) for public health and local officials to prepare for extreme heat events.

How Heat Events or Heat Waves Can Affect Your Health

Did you know that each year more people die from "excessive heat events" than from hurricanes, lightening, tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes combined?  Its Too Darn hot, a fact sheet for older adults provides information to older adults and their caregivers on how to protect one’s health during these extended heat waves.

An increase in the frequency of extreme heat events may result in more event-related deaths, injuries, infectious diseases, and stress-related disorders. Older adults are more susceptible to adverse health effects from environmental stresses, including those related to climate change. The majority of persons who suffer and die during an extreme heat event are older adults. Lack of air conditioning increases the risk of heat-related illness. Energy star air conditioners can also save you money on your cooling bills.

How to Reduce Exposure to Excessive Heat (PDF)
(4pp, 246K)

Air-conditioning is one of the best protective factors against heat-related illness and death.

Even a few hours a day in air conditioning can greatly reduce the risk. Electric fans may provide comfort, but when temperatures are in the high 90’s, fans do not prevent heat-related illness. During excessive heat events, the following prevention strategies can save lives:

• Visit air-conditioned buildings in your community if your home is not air conditioned. These may include: senior centers, movie theaters, libraries, shopping malls, or designated "cooling centers."
• Take a cool shower or bath.
• Drink lots of fluids. Don't wait until you are thirsty to drink. If a doctor limits your fluid intake, make sure to ask how much to drink when it's hot. Avoid beverages containing caffeine, alcohol, or large amounts of sugar. These drinks cause dehydration.
• Ask your doctor or other health care provider if the medications you take could increase your susceptibility to heat-related illness.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothing.
• Visit at-risk individuals at least twice a day. Watch for signs of heat-related illness such as hot, dry skin, confusion, hallucinations, and aggression.
• Call 9-1-1 if medical attention is needed.