Elderly Face Climate Crisis: 78% Affected in Last 3 Years!
Elderly Face Climate Crisis: 78% Affected in Last 3 Years!
A new HelpAge India study reveals a staggering 78% of elderly persons have experienced climate-related hazards. Discover how climate change impacts our seniors, especially in rural areas, and what's needed for 'Climate R
A recent study by HelpAge India has unveiled a concerning reality: a massive 78% of older persons in India have experienced at least one climate-related hazard in the past three years. Released on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, which is observed annually on June 15, the study titled 'Climate Resilient Ageing – Ensuring Care, Dignity & Agency' shines a critical light on how climate change disproportionately affects the elderly across the nation.
The comprehensive study, which surveyed 2,224 elderly individuals across 10 states, highlights the particular vulnerability of India's rural ageing population. Disadvantaged senior citizens, in particular, face even greater risks and challenges due to the escalating climate crisis. Heat stress emerged as a major concern, especially for those residing in poorly ventilated homes.
The findings provide stark statistics on the impact of these hazards: while 90% of those affected by heatwaves reported staying indoors and 81% increased their water intake, illness still rose for 74% of respondents. Moreover, 44% saw their existing health conditions worsen, and 33% faced difficulties in accessing healthcare services when needed.
Nirmala Balagopal, former Principal Secretary of Tamil Nadu, stressed the importance of translating these study findings into actionable policy, stating that this should be the ultimate goal. Edwin Babu, Director-Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, HelpAge India, emphasized the need to focus on climate change as it directly impacts the health of seniors and urged for proactive measures to prepare the elderly to cope with these challenges.
Experts also weighed in on specific environmental concerns. G. Dhinagaran, assistant professor at the Centre for Environment Studies, Anna University, discussed the adverse effects of phenomena like El Nino and urban heat islands. P.P. Ramaswami, former dean of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, pointed out the significant disparity in healthcare access between rural and urban areas. He noted that dehydration is common among the rural elderly who often toil outdoors, and ambulance services are scarce compared to urban spaces.
The study’s overarching call is for a focus on “Climate Resilient Ageing: Ensuring Care, Dignity and Agency,” urging for systemic changes and support systems to protect our most vulnerable population from the growing threats of climate change.
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