What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to explore how rising temperatures and extreme weather affect older adults' health, and to identify risk and protective factors.

January 25, 2026

Impact of Climate Change on Older Adults

Key Points

The aim is to explore how rising temperatures and extreme weather affect older adults' health, and to identify risk and protective factors.
Conducted a systematic review following PRISMA guidelines
Searched databases: Ebsco PsycINFO, Scopus, and MEDLINE PubMed from 2007 to March 2024
Analyzed articles for various health impacts and risk factors for older adults
Identified seven areas of interest affecting older adults: physiological, psychological impacts, suicidal behavior, demographic and psychosocial factors, protective factors, and psychoeducational programs
Highlighted significant effects on physical and mental health due to factors like social isolation and socioeconomic conditions
Noted methodological challenges such as the lack of standardization in research instruments and integration of data

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Climate change represents one of the main global threats to public health. The progressive increase in average temperatures and the greater frequency of extreme weather events expose the population to significant physical, psychological, social, and economic risks. The older population appears particularly vulnerable because of the physiological changes and sociocultural conditions associated with the aging process. Aim: This work (1) investigates the main effects of rising temperatures and extreme weather events on the health of older adults; (2) identifies specific risk factors for this age group; (3) identifies prevention and coping strategies that account for the peculiarities of the aging process. Methods: We conducted a systematic review according to the PRISMA criteria, performing a search in the Ebsco PsycINFO, Scopus and MEDLINE PubMed databases from 2007 to March 2024. Results: The content analysis of the articles identified seven areas of interest: (1) the physiological factors affecting mental health, (2) the psychological impact, (3) suicidal behavior, (4) demographic factors, (5) psychosocial factors, (6) protective factors, and (7) psychoeducational programs and coping strategies. Discussion: The results highlight significant effects on physical, mental, and social health, mediated by factors such as social isolation, socioeconomic conditions, and demographic characteristics. Among the studies examined, methodological issues emerge, including the heterogeneity of psychometric instruments, the lack of measurement standardization, and the insufficient integration of subjective and objective data. Intergenerational conflict and climate ageism can hinder the implementation of preventive and adaptation strategies. Conclusion: The study highlights a complex relationship between climate change and the health of older people, highlighting methodological and political gaps in the protection of their rights and needs. In particular, the heterogeneity of research designs and measures across studies limits the comparability and generalizability of their findings, underscoring the need for more standardized approaches in future research.

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