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Climate Change and Older Americans: State of the Science

Climate Change and Older Americans: State of the Science

Full Title: Climate Change and Older Americans: State of the Science
Author(s): Janet L. Gamble, Bradford J. Hurley, Peter A. Schultz, Wendy S. Jaglom, Nisha Krishnan, and Melinda Harris
Publisher(s): National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
Publication Date: October 1, 2012
Full Text: Download Resource
Description (excerpt):

Older adults make up 13% of the U.S. population, but are projected to account for  20% by 2040. Coinciding with this demographic shift, the rate of climate change is accelerating,  bringing rising temperatures; increased risk of floods, droughts, and wildfires; stronger tropical  storms and hurricanes; rising sea levels; and other climate-related hazards. Older Americans are  expected to be located in places that may be relatively more affected by climate change,  including coastal zones and large metropolitan areas.

The objective of this report is to assess the vulnerability of older Americans to  climate change and to identify opportunities for adaptation.

Older Americans are likely to be especially vulnerable to stressors associated with climate change. While a growing body of evidence reports the adverse effects of heat on the health of older adults, research gaps remain for other climate-related risks. We need additional study of the vulnerability of older adults and the interplay of vulnerability, resilience, and adaptive responses to projected climate stressors.

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