California’s aging population is increasingly vulnerable to extreme heat, with older residents facing higher risks of heat-related illnesses and deaths due to climate change.
The San Joaquin Valley endures more than 100 days of extreme heat annually, posing significant health risks to seniors who account for 28% of heat-related deaths since 2020.
Older adults face unique vulnerabilities, including impaired sweat glands, diminished thirst and fragile hearts, exacerbating the risks of heat-related illnesses.
Community programs like CSET are crucial, offering fast-tracked home weatherization and mental health screenings for seniors in the face of inadequate state resources.
Key quote:
“Each additional bit of warming, the health consequences are substantial. We’re not talking about the next generation.”
— Kai Chen, associate professor of epidemiology at Yale
Why this matters:
As California’s climate continues to warm, seniors in vulnerable communities face life-threatening conditions exacerbated by inadequate infrastructure and assistance.
