Introduction: Extreme heat is an increasing health threat for older adults in the United States. Older adults are more likely than younger people to experience health effects during extreme heat events, often because of age-related physiological changes and social factors. The goal of this study was to understand experiences of extreme heat among older adults, including perceptions of current health risks and concerns about the impact of climate change on future generations. Methods: Data were analyzed from the August 2024 National Poll on Healthy Aging, a recurring nationally representative survey of community-dwelling adults aged 50 and older. Respondents were asked about experiences with and concerns about climate change and health, particularly extreme heat. Descriptive statistics characterized participants’ extreme heat experiences and levels of concern about the impact of climate change on health. Results: Of 3,463 respondents, 62.6% (n = 2,168, 95% CI 60.6 - 64.6) reported experiencing an extreme heat event in the past two years. 27.0% (n = 923, 95% CI 25.8 - 28.2) reported feeling very concerned about the effects of extreme heat on their health. Concerns were highest among those living in the Southern region of the United States (33% n = 1,091; 95% CI 30.1 - 35.9). Only 6% of the sample reported that their health care provider had discussed preparedness actions for climate-related health emergencies with them (95% CI 5.3 - 6.7). Overall, 42.7% (95% CI 39.9 - 45.6) reported feeling very concerned about the effects of climate change on the health of future generations. Conclusion: A significant proportion of older individuals in this study reported experiencing extreme heat events and expressed heightened concern for their health with these events. Few older adults reported receiving guidance from their healthcare providers on preparing for such events. Respondents also reported high levels of concern about the impacts of climate change on future generations.
Bell et al. (Sun,) studied this question.