Older people

As well as being more susceptible to harm due to their age, older people are often associated with other characteristics which increase their vulnerability to climate impacts.

 

Credit: JRF/Jo Hanley

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Introduction

 

The impacts of climate change and extreme weather events can affect anyone, but older people potentially face more serious harm. There is conclusive evidence that when compared to other adults, older people - those over 65, but particularly people over 75 - consistently face more severe impacts as a result of flooding and heatwaves1,2. This is partly due to the tendency for older people to be more biophysically susceptible3. However, older people may also be associated with a range of other characteristics which increase their vulnerability, such as being socially isolated, being in ill-health, having lower personal mobility, living in certain types of housing or being on a low income4,5. Although in 2011/12 pensioner poverty reached a 30-year low6, some pensioners are still living on low incomes, with older pensioners and single female pensioners having the lowest average incomes within the pensioner group7. For these reasons, older people are highlighted as a key focus for climate adaptation policies and plans8,9.

 

 

Unequal vulnerability in older people

 

While older people are generally more socially vulnerable than other adults, not all older people are equally sensitive or equally vulnerable. Although evidence often relates to chronological age, there are huge differences between people in the same age group as a result of varying biological, social and psychological factors10. For example, the different personal characteristics of older people such as their health can influence the extent to which they are sensitive to climate impacts and extreme weather. Similarly, social characteristics, such as income11 and mobility, vary greatly11. This means that some older people have a considerably lower capacity to adapt than others. Older people experiencing multiple causes of vulnerability are the most socially vulnerable. However, a person’s vulnerability is not a static characteristic and will change as personal circumstances change over time. As with all people, the impacts of a particular event on an older person will therefore depend on how different circumstances happen to interact at the time that this occurs12. For this reason it is useful to understand the range of factors which can influence a person’s vulnerability and the extent to which they are likely to occur in particular neighbourhoods. (See Which places are disadvantaged?)

 

Older people may be less likely to seek assistance than people in other groups13. Some older people can be socially isolated from the rest of the community that they live in or have other reasons not to seek help from authorities and service providers. For example, they may fear disruption to routines, losing their homes due to being seen as unable to cope alone, or losing independence and control14. However it is wrong to presume that this applies to all older people or that older people are necessarily passive or disengaged when it comes to environmental or climate change issues15. Some forms of participation can be quite common in older groups. For example, more than a quarter of over 65 year-olds participate in voluntary work or work in the wider community16. While this doesn’t necessarily mean that they are more likely to seek assistance, the improved social connections this brings may mean that they are more likely to be offered help and, potentially, more likely to accept it. However, evidence also shows that people tend to feel more comfortable offering help and less comfortable about accepting it from others, particularly where such help is perceived negatively, for example, in terms of personal autonomy and independence17.

 

Older people can be more likely to live in particular types of housing which may increase their exposure to heatwaves and floods. Retirement developments tend to be single level apartments or bungalows developed to better meet the day-to-day needs of older residents18. Such single level dwelling types are favoured by older people more generally19. However, people living in these homes are potentially more likely to be affected by the loss of possessions, including essential equipment, due to the higher likelihood of them being damaged in floods, compared to people where possessions can be stored in upper floors. While newer developments may be more likely to have flood adaptation measures in place, the availability of such measures does not guarantee that they will be used, or used correctly. For example, studies into the use of energy efficiency measures have shown how these sorts of adaptations are not always used as intended20. Furthermore, some residential buildings accentuate the impacts of extremely hot, or indeed cold, conditions. To help further understand the problem of overheating in residential buildings, the 2014/15 English Housing Survey will collect explicit data from building occupants21. See the Adapting Buildings section for more information about the effects of building types and actions which can be taken.

 

The following sections show how older people are likely to be more sensitive and vulnerable to climate impacts and related extreme weather than other adults. Although the focus is on heatwaves and flooding, it is important to stress that this group is also sensitive to disproportionate impacts from a range of other climate and environment related hazards such as air pollution (which can also be connected to heatwaves22,23), drought, cold weather, food- and water-borne diseases and UV radiation24. Although the potential for extreme impacts is emphasised, older people are an extremely diverse group with people of very different vulnerability profiles, not all of which are a simple function of age (Figure 1). It is therefore highly likely that local adaptation and adaptation-related measures will need to include a suite of different responses in order to maximise people’s ability to help themselves, while protecting the most acutely vulnerable.  

 

Figure 1: Examples of possible misconceptions about older people.25

 

 

Older people and heatwaves

 

There is strong national and international evidence about the greater likelihood for older people to be affected by heatwaves.26

The largest proportion of the 2,000 excess deaths in England and Wales during the August 2003 heatwave occurred in people who were over 75, and in London this group also had an increased rate of hospital visits.27 Similar evidence has been found elsewhere. Analyses of the effects of the 2003 heatwave in other European countries28 and the impacts of other heatwaves in Europe and the United States29,30 have all found that older people were a particularly vulnerable group.

 

Older people may be more likely to experience detrimental physical impacts such as dehydration and the worsening of symptoms of existing health problems such as respiratory illness and heart disease during a heatwave.31,32,33 There are biophysical differences between older people and other adults which make temperature regulation processes less efficient in this group, something which is important in terms of people’s ability to cope with extremes of cold as well as heat. Difficulties coping in heatwaves can be particularly marked when older people have other health problems which also affect thermo-regulation, such as chronic cardiovascular, respiratory illness, diabetes, renal diseases, nervous system disorders, Parkinson’s disease, emphysema and epilepsy.34 Furthermore, people who already have a high body temperature, for example, as a result of an infection, are more susceptible to the effects of heat.

 

Some older people may also have diminished ability to adapt to high temperatures due to lower awareness of their circumstances or an inability to take action.35 Some older people may be bed-bound, unable to leave home daily, or unable to care for themselves for other reasons, such as through living with dementia or other degenerative illnesses.  

 

Older people in residential or nursing homes are more reliant on others to deal with high temperatures and older people in hospitals and care homes tend to be disproportionately affected by heatwave events.36 There is an association between dependency and the potential for adverse effects from heatwave events.37,38 (see also People in poor health) Older people living in care homes are more likely to have physical or mental health problems, which can make them more sensitive and less able to adapt to high temperatures.39 Often the perceived thermal needs of the frailest residents dictate how specialist buildings are designed and operated, but this can negatively affect other residents.40 This is especially problematic where the different temperature preferences and related needs of residents cannot be accommodated, for example, through appropriately adaptable heating/cooling systems which allow rooms to be kept at different temperatures, or the flexible provision of cool refreshments.41,42 Institutional regimes can also exacerbate problems through being too rigid or due to difficulty in satisfying all of a building’s users’ needs, including staff.43

 

Older people may not appreciate their increased susceptibility to heat or consider high temperatures to be a particular problem.44 A survey of 456 older people in Islington suggested that respondents were more likely to welcome hot weather than not.45 This was despite over half of the respondents having personal health or mobility characteristics which could affect their ability to cope. The survey emphasised how council or voluntary services may be particularly important to older people who lack social and support networks, particularly family, as an initial source of help. Although only 13.5% stated that they did not have any social support networks, 17.5% of those interviewed said that they would not approach anyone for help during a heatwave.  See Islington’s case study for more information.

 

Older people may be reluctant to take recommended actions to cool their homes, such as leaving windows open at night. Interviewees in Islington identified neighbourhood noise and fear of crime as key reasons for failing to open windows at night.45 Even where buildings are well adapted or have retrofit measures in place, they may not be used as designers intended.46

 

 

Older people and floods

 

Floods affect the health and wellbeing of older people in multiple direct and indirect ways. Older people tend to experience greater impacts from flood events, a greater incidence of flood-related disease (for example, associated with contaminated water) and higher rates of mortality.47 Analysis of the impacts of the 1953 floods (Figure 2) highlight higher mortality rates among older people than other age groups and also show that this can result from secondary health impacts, such as hypothermia and heart problems, as well as from drowning. Flooding may also restrict an individual’s access to medicine, or make it difficult to obtain appropriate medical attention in an emergency. Flood events can directly impact local medical services and also affect the wider community, given than it may be necessary for hospitals to postpone routine or other non-urgent medical treatments.48

 

Figure 2 Age distribution of flood-related mortality associated with the 31 January-1 February 1953 flooding at Canvey Island (Essex).49

 

Older people may be less able to prepare for and cope during flood events. They are less likely to respond to flood warnings50 and difficulties with balance, strength or mobility may make protecting homes from flooding or taking recommended measures more challenging.51 Vulnerability can be particularly high during events; for example, power-cuts can impact on life support equipment, such as oxygen generators or ventilators, or affect older people’s mobility given that they may be reliant on electric wheelchairs requiring recharging and/or access to lifts.52 Accessing clean drinking water may also present particular challenges for this group. Although mains water supplies are usually safe in flood events in the UK, older people can be more susceptible to any contamination of food or water due to less responsive immune systems.53 Older people are particularly reliant on personal aids such as glasses, dentures or hearing aids, which can become lost or damaged, making it difficult for them to cope.

 

Older people may find it particularly hard to recover from the effects of flooding. The stress of disruption and the loss of memorabilia can be devastating for older people, with many taking longer to recover compared to others, or never fully doing so.54 Flooding can cause a loss of confidence and a loss of memory for some, and pressures associated with taking in a displaced family member can cause social relationships to come under considerable strain.55 Some older people may find dealing with insurance claims and organising repairs challenging and some may even deny being affected.56 Effects can be exacerbated for people who are already in ill-health or who are socially isolated.

 

Older people living with mental health disorders may be less able to prepare for and respond to flooding. Conditions such as dementia can change how a person views the dangers associated with a flood and how they behave in response.57 Ad-hoc carers helping people during or immediately after events may not have sufficient information about an individual’s medical history and associated medical and care needs58 and not all vulnerable people are able to provide appropriate information to carers under these circumstances. For example, this may mean that people are unable to recall their full names and addresses59 and may become confused in unfamiliar surroundings.60

 

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References

  1. Vardoulakis S & Heaviside C (2012), Health Effects of Climate Change in the UK 2012. Health Protection Agency. 
  2. Hames, D and Vardoulakis S & Heaviside C (2012), Summary Report : Climate Change Risk Assessment Summary: Health
  3. Vardoulakis S & Heaviside C (2012), Health Effects of Climate Change in the UK 2012. Health Protection Agency 
  4. Haq, G., Whitelegg, J. and Kohler, M (2008) Growing Old in a Changing Climate, Meeting the challenges of an ageing population and climate change
  5. Benzie, M, Harvey, A, Burningham, K, Hodgson, N and Siddiqi, A (2011) Vulnerability to heatwaves and drought: adaptation to climate change, JRF  
  6. McInnes, T. et al, Monitoring Poverty and Social Exclusion 2013
  7. The Department for Work and Pensioners (2014) The Pensioners’ Incomes Series United Kingdom, 2012/13 July 2014. 
  8. Vardoulakis S & Heaviside C (2012), Health Effects of Climate Change in the UK 2012. Health Protection Agency 
  9. Public Health England. 2013. The heat-wave plan for England 2013. 
  10. Haq, G., Whitelegg, J. and Kohler, M (2008) Growing Old in a Changing Climate Meeting the challenges of an ageing population and climate change
  11. Department for Work and Pensions (2012) The Pensioners’ Incomes Series 2010- 11
  12. Whittle, et al. (2010) ‘After the rain: Learning the lessons from flood recovery in Hull’, final project report for Flood, Vulnerability and Urban Resilience: A real-time study of local recovery following the floods of June 2007 in Hull. Lancaster: Lancaster University 
  13. Zsamboky, M., Fernandez-Bilbao, A., Smith, D., Knight, J. & Allan, J. (2011) “Impacts of climate change on disadvantaged UK coastal communities”, Joseph Rowntree Foundation, York. 
  14. Whittle, et al. (2010) ‘After the rain: Learning the lessons from flood recovery in Hull’, final project report for Flood, Vulnerability and Urban Resilience: A real-time study of local recovery following the floods of June 2007 in Hull. Lancaster: Lancaster University 
  15. Haq, G, Brown, D and Hards, S (2010) Older People and Climate Change: the Case for Better Engagement
  16. Audit Commission (2008) Don’t stop me now Preparing for an ageing population Local government National report July 2008 
  17. Spandler, H, Allen, M, Prendergast, Y and Froggett, L (2014) Informal support in a Yorkshire town: Interim findings JRF report 
  18. Pannell, J and Blood, I (2012) Supported housing for older people in the UK: An evidence review
  19. Department for Communities and Local Government (2010) English Housing Survey Housing stock report 2008
  20. Lewis, A (2013) Building comfort for Older age: Designing and managing thermal comfort in low carbon housing for older people. 
  21. Adaptation Sub-Committee (2014) Managing climate risks to well-being and the economy. Progress Report 2014. 
  22. Stedman, JR (2004). The predicted number of air pollution related deaths in the UK during the August 2003 heatwave. Atmospheric Environment 38 (1087-1090) 
  23. Adaptation Sub-Committee (2014) Managing climate risks to well-being and the economy. Progress Report 2014. 
  24. Vardoulakis S & Heaviside C (2012), Health Effects of Climate Change in the UK 2012. Health Protection Agency

  25. Audit Commission (2008) Don’t stop me now. Preparing for an ageing population Local government National report July 2008 

  26. Hames, D and Vardoulakis S & Heaviside C (2012), SUM - Summary Report : Climate Change Risk Assessment Summary: Health

  27. Johnson H., Kovats S., McGregor G., Stedman J., Gibbs M., Walton H., Cook L. and Black E. 2004. The Impact of the 2003 Heat Wave on Mortality and Hospital Admissions in England. Epidemiology. Volume 15. Number 4. pp 6-11

  28. Grize, L., Huss, A., Thommena, O., Schindlera, C. and Braun-Fahrländera, C. (2005) ‘Heatwave 2003 and mortality in Switzerland’. Swiss Medical Weekly, 135, pp. 200–05 

  29. Knowlton K., Rotkin-Ellman M., King G., Margolis H.G., Smith D., Solomon G., Trent R. and English P. 2009. The 2006 California Heat Wave: Impacts on Hospitalizations and Emergency Department Visits. Environmental Health Perspectives. Volume 117. Number 1. pp 61-67 

  30. Klinenberg E (2002), Heat Wave: A Social Autopsy of Disaster in Chicago. Chicago: University of Chicago Press 

  31. Kovats, R.S., Hajat, S., and Wilkinson, P. (2004) Contrasting patterns of mortality and hospital admissions during hot weather and heat waves in Greater London, UK. Occupational and Environmental Medicine 61(11): 893-898. 

  32. McGeehin, M.A. and Mirabelli, M. (2001) The potential impacts of climate variability and change on temperature-related morbidity and mortality in the United States. Environmental Health Perspectives 109 (supplement 2): 185-189.

  33. Zacharias, S, Koppe, C and Mücke, H-G (2014) Influence of Heat Waves on Ischemic Heart Diseases in Germany Climate 2014, 2(3), 133-152 

  34. Defra (2012) UK Climate Change Risk Assessment: Evidence Report, London 

  35. Hajat, S., Kovats, R. and Lachowycz, K. (2007) ‘Heat-related and cold-related deaths in England and Wales: who is at risk?’ Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 64, pp. 93–100. 

  36. Kovats, R.S. and Ebi, K.L. (2006) Heatwaves and public health in Europe. European Journal of Public Health 16 (6): 592-599 

  37. Poumadere, M., Mays, C., Le Mer, S. and Blong, R. (2005) The 2003 Heatwave in France: Dangerous Climate Change Here and Now Risk Analysis 25(6): 1483-1494 

  38. Lewis, A (2013) Building comfort for Older age: Designing and managing thermal comfort in low carbon housing for older people.  
  39. Defra (2012) UK Climate Change Risk Assessment: Evidence Report, London 

  40. Lewis, A (2013) Building comfort for Older age: Designing and managing thermal comfort in low carbon housing for older people.

  41. Lewis, A (2013) Building comfort for Older age: Designing and managing thermal comfort in low carbon housing for older people (alternative published address)

  42. Benzie, M, Harvey, A, Burningham, K, Hodgson, N and Siddiqi, A (2011) Vulnerability to heatwaves and drought: adaptation to climate change, JRF 

  43. Note: Although this finding could be influenced by being carried out during the wintertime when people’s main priority is keeping warm.   Kolm-Murray, J., Smith, A. & Clarke, C., 2013. Individual and community resilience to extreme weather events amongst older people in south Islington: attitudes, barriers and adaptive capacity, London: Islington Council. 

  44. Kolm-Murray, J., Smith, A. & Clarke, C., 2013. Individual and community resilience to extreme weather events amongst older people in south Islington: attitudes, barriers and adaptive capacity, London: Islington Council. 

  45. Kolm-Murray, J., Smith, A. & Clarke, C., 2013. Individual and community resilience to extreme weather events amongst older people in south Islington: attitudes, barriers and adaptive capacity, London: Islington Council. 

  46. Lewis, A (2013) Building comfort for Older age: Designing and managing thermal comfort in low carbon housing for older people.  

  47. Green, C.H., Van der Veen, A., Wierstra, E. and Penning-Rowsell, E.C. (1994) Vulnerability Refined: Analysing Full Flood Impacts, in Penning-Rowsell, EC and Fordham, M, eds Floods Across Europe: Flood Forecasting, Assessment, Modelling and Management, London: Middlesex University Press 

  48. Fernandez, L.S.,Byard, D., Lin, C-C., Benson, S. and Barbera, J.A. (2002) Frail elderly as disaster victims: emergency management strategies. Prehospital and Disaster Medicine 17(2): 67-74 

  49. Vardoulakis S & Heaviside C (2012), Health Effects of Climate Change in the UK 2012. Health Protection Agency (with correction). 

  50. Fielding, J., Burningham, K., Thrush, D. and Catt, R. (2007) Public response to flood warning. R&D Technical Report SC020116. Environment Agency, Bristol.

  51. Vardoulakis S & Heaviside C (2012), Health Effects of Climate Change in the UK 2012. Health Protection Agency 

  52. Fernandez, L.S.,Byard, D., Lin, C-C., Benson, S. and Barbera, J.A. (2002) Frail elderly as disaster victims: emergency management strategies. Prehospital and Disaster Medicine 17(2): 67-74 

  53. Vardoulakis S & Heaviside C (2012), Health Effects of Climate Change in the UK 2012. Health Protection Agency 

  54. Werritty, A., Houston, D., Ball, T., Tavendale, A. and Black, A. (2007) Exploring the Social Impacts of Flood Risk and Flooding in Scotland. Scottish Executive Social Research, p. 157.

  55. Whittle, et al. (2010) ‘After the rain: Learning the lessons from flood recovery in Hull’, final project report for Flood, Vulnerability and Urban Resilience: A real-time study of local recovery following the floods of June 2007 in Hull. Lancaster: Lancaster University 

  56. Whittle, et al. (2010) ‘After the rain: Learning the lessons from flood recovery in Hull’, final project report for Flood, Vulnerability and Urban Resilience: A real-time study of local recovery following the floods of June 2007 in Hull. Lancaster: Lancaster University
  57. Defra (2012) UK Climate Change Risk Assessment: Evidence Report, London 

  58. Fernandez, L.S.,Byard, D., Lin, C-C., Benson, S. and Barbera, J.A. (2002) Frail elderly as disaster victims: emergency management strategies. Prehospital and Disaster Medicine 17(2): 67-74 

  59. Hayes J., Mason J., Brown F. and Mather R. 2009. Floods in 2007 and Older Adult Services: Lessons Learnt. Psychiatric Bulletin. Volume 33. pp 332-336.

  60. Vardoulakis S & Heaviside C (2012), Health Effects of Climate Change in the UK 2012. Health Protection Agency.

 

An ageing population means that more people will become vulnerable to climate impacts and extreme weather in the future compared to today. 

 

Credit: JRF/Mike Gibb

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Managing increasing pressures

 

Figure 3 shows an exponential growth in both over 65 year olds and over 85 year olds, with the proportion of those over 85 expected to more than double between 2010 and 2035.1 People aged over 65 will form nearly a quarter of the UK population by 2035. Even with no change in the numbers and intensity of extreme events, this means that the impacts from floods and heatwaves are likely to be more severe. The state of health of the ageing population could also exacerbate problems.

 

Figure 3: Relative proportions of the UK population aged 65 and 85 years and over in 1985, 2010 and 2035 (projected)2

 

Preparing for extreme weather events can help with effective use of resources and building community resilience. 

  • Climate projections and analysis show that the frequency of heatwaves is increasing.3 Evidence from the UK Climate Change Risk Assessment (CCRA) suggests that by the 2080s what we currently understand as a heatwave could occur most years and could even occur more than once a year in some regions. However, changes will be felt much earlier than the 2080s. Regional assessments suggest that, on average, heatwave frequency could be six times higher by the 2050s alone.
  • The pressures on health services dealing with emergency situations will be much greater. Heatwaves often do not occur in isolation and may be associated with other events such as droughts and wildfires, which have their own health consequences.
  • It is also anticipated that the emergency services will face greater pressure from an increasing frequency of floods. Estimates from the CCRA suggest a further 0.9 to 2.3 million people could be at significant risk of river flooding by the 2080s4 requiring more than doubling in the effort of emergency services, without taking account of any change in costs associated with responding to more severe events.5

 

 

Duties and responsibilitites

Local authorities and their partners in health and social care have statutory duties and other responsibilities relating to protecting people’s health and this inevitably connects to the needs of older people. For instance:

  • The Health and Social Care Act 2012 puts local authorities at the centre of activities to improve health, with public health now brought into local government. This brings together the work of the NHS with those providing social care, housing, environmental health, leisure and transport services. The Act puts new duties on clinical commissioning groups to have regard to the need to reduce inequalities in benefits which can be obtained from health services, including both NHS and public health functions.  Important instruments for joining up actions to address climate risks and extreme weather events are the Joint Strategic Needs Assessments (JSNAs) and the associated strategies produced by Health and Wellbeing Boards. Health and Wellbeing Boards also have a duty to encourage health and care commissioners to work together to enhance the health and wellbeing of people in their area.
  • The Equality Act 2010 allows for positive action in favour of people in groups with protected characteristics.6 Protected characteristics include disabilities defined as “physical or mental impairment that has a ‘substantial’ and ‘long-term’ negative effect on normal day-to-day tasks.”7 This sits alongside human rights legislation, through the Human Rights Act 2000, which protects rights of fairness, respect, equality, dignity and autonomy for all and which has been used in relation to housing, health and social care for older people, including the residents of care homes.8 However, at present the protection for care home residents is only partial, i.e. only for people placed by local authorities or the NHS.9
  • The Civil Contingencies Act 2004 identifies local authorities, along with the emergency services and NHS bodies as the key organisations who have a responsibility for developing plans for emergencies. They need to work with other organisations in local resilience fora to develop responses to support civil protection.
  • The Heatwave Plan for England is non-statutory but provides a basis through which other obligations to produce adaptation plans can be developed. Its main purpose is to provide information which helps in the process of building more resilient communities to heatwaves. It sets out ways to prepare for heatwave events and what to do to avoid some of the most severe impacts from prolonged exposure to high temperatures.  Raising awareness among the wider public is one important goal. It also highlights the role of local NHS, public health and social care organisations in overseeing the care of people with particular susceptibilities, to help reduce the potential for over-exposure and to help ensure that service provision is sufficiently resilient to cope with the challenges associated with heatwaves.

 

Older people need to be central to adaptation planning as a group who can be expected to face disproportionate impacts on health and wellbeing.10,11 However, a blanket response for all older people is not likely to be effective since this may miss individuals who are most vulnerable and have the greatest needs due to a combination of personal, social and environmental factors, such as those associated with illness, income, poor mobility, lack of social ties and maladapted living accommodation. 

 

Most of the impacts of floods and heatwaves on older people are preventable. There are personal and community actions which can help to ensure that older people are better prepared for emergency situations. Awareness raising and simple practical measures can help to avoid impacts and aid with the recovery process. It could also help to make neighbourhoods more ‘age-friendly’ and communities more supportive of the needs of people living with the declining mental ability associated with some forms of dementia.12 If a locality is more inclusive and supportive it is less likely that people will be left on their own to face an emergency.

 

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References

  1. ONS (2012) Population Ageing in the United Kingdom, its Constituent Countries and the European Union
  2. ONS (2012) Population Ageing in the United Kingdom, its Constituent Countries and the European Union
  3. Defra (2012) UK Climate Change Risk Assessment: Evidence Report, London
  4. According to the central estimate associated with the medium emissions scenario in the CCRA
  5. Defra (2012) UK Climate Change Risk Assessment: Evidence Report, London
  6. GOV.UK website Discrimination, know your rights
  7. GOV.UK website Definition of disability under Equality Act 2010
  8. British Institute of Human Rights (2010) Your Human Rights. A guide for older people Second edition
  9. Community Care website article about Age UK's criticism of Government plans regarding the Human Rights Act
  10. Public Health England. 2013. The heat-wave plan for England 2013.
  11. Vardoulakis S & Heaviside C (2012), Health Effects of Climate Change in the UK 2012. Health Protection Agency
  12. Innovations in Dementia (2011) Dementia Capable Communities. The views of people with dementia and their supporters, February 2011 

The Climate Just Map tool contains a series of maps which can be used to understand the current patterns of older people and people with wider sensitivities and suscepibilities across England, Scotland and Wales.

 

Credit: JRF/Mike Gibb

 

The Climate Just map tool contains a series of maps which can be used to understand the current patterns of older people and people with wider sensitivities and susceptibilities across England, Scotland and Wales. The Map tool also allows users to overlay maps of potential exposure to flooding and heatwaves with maps of vulnerability for England. See the Map tool for the national maps for 2011 in your area.

 

Older people tend to be disproportionately located in coastal and rural areas.1 On average, in England there are 3% more people over 65 in rural compared to urban areas and 7% more in sparsely populated rural areas.2 Nearly 8% of all people over 50 living in rural areas live alone.  Each of these community types will have particular challenges for adaptation. They may point to a higher tendency to live in poorly serviced areas or areas associated with relatively transient populations. Some coastal areas have wider community vulnerabilities and also a higher chance of being affected by floods.3

 

Coastal and rural areas are expected to contain even larger proportions of older people by the 2030s.4 By 2031, the over 65s are expected to make up 40% of the population in some areas of England (Figure 4). This will require specific action by local authorities and their partners in service delivery. Areas which are estimated to have particularly marked increases in populations of older people may also be under-prepared. Some of these areas are also associated with more marked climate-related impacts and increases in the likelihood of impacts into the future, thereby increasing both vulnerability and exposure to hazards.5

 

By the 2080s more and less vulnerable neighbourhoods in the UK will both experience more frequent floods. The number of people living in flood prone areas in the UK is set to increase by 45% to 10.8 million people by the 2080s, assuming high population growth. Combined with a +4oC climate future, and assuming current approaches to adaptation continue, 6.4 million people will be exposed to frequent flooding, up from 2 million today (an increase of over 200%). In the most vulnerable neighbourhoods the increase is equally dramatic, again more than trebling, from 451,000 today to 1.4 million by the 2080s (an increase of over 200%). The greatest increases are experienced in England and in areas prone to surface water and fluvial flooding.

 

There are also considerable numbers of older people living in urban areas who are exposed to relatively high temperatures as a result.6  In England, around 9.5% of people living in urban areas are over 75 years of age, many in relatively small flats: see the Adapting buildings section for more information about the effects of building types and actions which can be taken. The distributions of older people in Scotland and Wales can be viewed via the Map Tool.

 

 

Figure 4: Map of the estimated future distribution of people over 65 years of age (left) and over 85 (right) in England (2031).7

 

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References

  1. Bayliss, J and Sly, F (2010) Ageing across the UK Regional Trends 42
  2. Twigger-Ross, C. (2005) The impact of flooding on urban and rural communities Joint Defra / Environment Agency Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management R&D Programme R&D Technical Report SC040033/SR1 Product Code: SCHO1005BJTG-E-P
  3. Zsamboky, M., Fernandez-Bilbao, A., Smith, D., Knight, J. & Allan, J. (2011) “Impacts of climate change on disadvantaged UK coastal communities”, Joseph Rowntree Foundation, York
  4. Oven, KJ, Curtis, S.E., Reaney, S. Riva, M., Stewart, M.G., Ohlemüller, R. Dunn, C.E., Nodwell, S., Dominelli, L. Holden, L (2012) Climate change and health and social care: Defining future hazard, vulnerability and risk for infrastructure systems supporting older people’s health care in England, Applied Geography, Volume 33, April 2012, Pages 16-24
  5. Oven, KJ, Curtis, S.E., Reaney, S. Riva, M., Stewart, M.G., Ohlemüller, R. Dunn, C.E., Nodwell, S., Dominelli, L. Holden, L (2012) Climate change and health and social care: Defining future hazard, vulnerability and risk for infrastructure systems supporting older people’s health care in England, Applied Geography, Volume 33, April 2012, Pages 16-24
  6. Adaptation Sub-Committee (2014) Managing climate risks to well-being and the economy. Progress Report 2014.
  7. BIOPICCC Research Team (2011) Research Briefing 1: Mapping future risks of extreme weather and growth in older populations in England. Durham University, UK 

Assess the nature of the problem in your area

 

Identify locations with high proportions of older people in your area using the Climate Just map tool.

 

Identify the magnitude and likelihood of hazards associated with the changing climate, including flooding and heatwaves.

  • Consider how patterns of older people and other groups who are more broadly sensitive and susceptible to the impacts of climate change and extreme weather events compare with patterns of potential exposure to flooding and heatwaves.1 New finer resolution data are available for flood vulnerability and current and future flood disadvantage. See Which places are disadvantaged? for more information.   
  • Examine the local impacts of extreme weather events including their location, timing, costs and the effectiveness of responses by recording the local experiences in your area to help support continuous learning.

 

Review the Case studies section to see what others have done.

 

Consider the following actions to help build resilience for older people. See additional related actions associated with older people in ill-health.

 

Use additional resources to identify particularly sensitive individuals, groups and locations.

See How can we do it? (Section 5. above) for more ideas about where to get information.

Identify where the most sensitive individuals live. The map tool provides information about where there are particularly high proportions of older people, but it is also important to remember that:

  • All communities will have some vulnerable older people within them. Actions may differ for places with a high density of older people and places where there may be fewer older people but where they may be more socially or physically isolated.
  • Not all older people are equally vulnerable and there is a wide spectrum of vulnerability. It is helpful to try and differentiate needs and to recognise that not all older people require the same level or type of help.2 A blanket response during extreme events may seem equitable but in fact isn’t. Resources used to help people who have fewer needs or who are readily able to help themselves reduces capacity to support those who have greater needs or who cannot help themselves without suffering disproportionate and longer-term impacts on their health and wellbeing. Different levels of vulnerability within older age groups may also help to determine the timings of support and how it is offered. Indeed, some older people may be better supported through longer term and broader measures designed to enhance independence.3 Targeting resources during events could help to relieve some of the pressure on health and social care systems which are likely to be particularly stretched due to impacts on infrastructure and care professionals themselves, who may themselves be dealing with impacts.4
  • Identify the location of sensitive groups in institutions, for example by working with site managers and staff in care homes and hospitals to help target responses.
  • Use the Strategic Health Asset Planning and Evaluation (SHAPE) tool to access a range of health indicators at fine geographical scales and levels of service provision (areas representing populations of 1000-3000).
  • Use the Public Health Outcomes Framework tools to gather additional information, for example, on older people’s perceptions of community safety, which may affect their responses.
  • Use the map portal to look for other indicators of wider community vulnerability, which may affect the ability of older people to prepare for, respond to and recover from events like floods and heatwaves. This echoes other recommendations for revisiting demographic profiles and could be combined with other data resources, for example through data resources like MOSAIC.

 

Ensure that a full range of issues are incorporated into organisational risk registers.

 

Raise awareness of climate change to build adaptive capacity among sensitive individuals and groups.

  • Raise awareness among older people of the potential impacts from extreme weather events using existing guidance and public-orientated information bulletins, many of which have specific guidance for older people. Consider appropriate outreach activities for marginalised groups and those who are particularly susceptible to the impacts of high temperatures and the health impacts of flooding. According to a report by the London Climate Change Partnership (LCCP), in locations with a highly transient population, information may need to be more frequently issued or made available in different ways and there may be other particular needs for people who have only recently arrived to a local area. Find out more about raising awareness.
  • Raise awareness among social and health care staff. There are also recommendations in the LCCP report that climate change adaptation needs to be built into training programmes for those working in health and social care. It is important to ensure that all staff members, especially those in day-to-day contact with people with vulnerabilities, are aware of the issues and of appropriate adaptation measures so that they are considered as part of everyday working activities. See the following links to advice for different staff groups:
    • Advice for health and social care practitioners: supporting vulnerable people before and during a heatwave.
    • Advice for care home managers and staff: supporting vulnerable people before and during a heatwave.
    • Consider the range of threats which can affect how climate change affects older people and develop measures which can be reactive to individuals’ changing circumstances (see Figure 6).

 

Figure 5: Opportunities and threats to the independence and wellbeing of older people from Don’t stop me now: Preparing for an ageing population, Audit Commission Local Government National report July 2008

 

Encourage older people to make flood plans for their own safety but also to help protect pets and important personal possessions.  Some older people may be motivated through making preparations for companion animals. It is also important to recognise that many older people are also carers, for example of partners or grandchildren, and so may need additional support for this reason. See the NHS’s advice about older carers.

 

Develop local plans that reduce the impact of heatwaves and floods on sensitive individuals and which protect the systems through which care is delivered to them. It is recommended that plans build from national guidelines but are strongly tailored to specific local circumstances (see the Map tool for more). Plans should aim to make climate change adaptation part of general risk management and not just reserved for emergency situations. If this is achieved it helps to ensure that information is readily available when it is required, often when normal communication channels are particularly stretched. It also helps to establish measures which can help to reduce exposure and build adaptive capacity but which require a longer time-frame to be effective.

  • Joint Strategic Needs Assessments and Sustainable Development Management Plans and the work of coordinating bodies such as Health and Well-Being Boards provide useful mechanisms for considering the needs of older people. See more information about actions to help people in ill-health. Researchers from the Stockholm Environment Institute note that a wider perspective can be particularly helpful for older people, emphasising what can be achieved through independent action, stronger community ties and better local accessibility.
  • Specific adaptation plans. Although broadly conceived actions addressing multiple objective actions are needed, more targeted actions will also be required for older people with specific needs. The research carried out as part of the Built Infrastructure for Older People’s Care in Conditions of Climate Change (BIOPICCC) project has fed into the development of the NHS Sustainable Development Unit’s recommendations for developing an adaptation plan for building climate resilience.  Other specific actions which can be considered are explicit consideration of the appropriateness of older people’s housing and any retrofitting which can be targeted to such housing, whilst also ensuring that the housing continues to meet the day-to-day needs of older people. More information can be found in this report by the Department of Health, the Department of Communities and Local Government, and the Homes and Communities Agency.

 

Reduce exposure of vulnerable individuals by considering ways that buildings and local environments can be better adapted.

  • Enhance green space and green infrastructure in the design of health and social care facilities as well as more widely in urban areas in order to offset the impacts of flooding and to reduce temperatures.
  • Consider how building adaptations can be made suitable for older people with restricted mobility. For example, there may be trade-offs between elevating plug sockets and electrical equipment in bungalows and the need to ensure day-to-day access is safe and comfortable. Consider involvement of Care and Repair and Home Improvement Agencies.

 

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Tools & resources

Local Climate Impacts Profile

UKCIP tool for analysing the impacts of past extreme weather events

Tools & resources

SHAPE tool

Strategic Health Asset Planning and Evaluation (NHS tool) for health providers

 

 

References

  1. See Map tool (exposure and disadvantage maps)
  2. Whittle, et al. (2010) ‘After the rain: Learning the lessons from flood recovery in Hull’, final project report for Flood, Vulnerability and Urban Resilience: A real-time study of local recovery following the floods of June 2007 in Hull. Lancaster: Lancaster University.
  3. Audit Commission (2008) Don’t stop me now. Preparing for an ageing population Local government National report July 2008
  4. Whittle, et al. (2010) ‘After the rain: Learning the lessons from flood recovery in Hull’, final project report for Flood, Vulnerability and Urban Resilience: A real-time study of local recovery following the floods of June 2007 in Hull. Lancaster: Lancaster University.

Actions to take

 

  1. Review the recommended general actions. This includes information about raising awareness and partnership working. See also additional related guidelines associated with older people in ill-health.
     
  2. Make use of registers which are already held within local authorities and organisations with a role in service provision. Data sharing requires relevant approval, but subject to that being received, organisations involved in emergency planning could make use of local authority data on older people receiving care and other types of support in order to ensure that their needs are appropriately considered.1 
     
  3. Consider how registers and other information resources can be kept up to date and responsive to changing circumstances, such as in relation to the threats shown in Figure 5 (in Section 4 above). Social networks and community groups may be important sources of information about changing personal circumstances. 
     
  4. Consult guidance about how to incorporate climate change impacts into risk registers and other key strategies including local Joint Strategic Needs Assessments (JSNAs). 
     
  5. While protecting the needs of the most sensitive and vulnerable people, older people more generally can be engaged using a range of methods. Recommendations originally developed to help improve general engagement with older people2 and for meeting carbon reduction targets can be applied to activities for raising awareness and developing actions in relation to the impacts of climate change and extreme weather3. Indeed, actions on climate mitigation and adaptation could usefully be considered together.
  • Abandon old stereotypes – not all older people are unable to help themselves or disinterested in doing so. Older people are not only potentially at risk but may also be campaigners for and contributors to tackling the problem of climate change itself4. A well rounded and joined up adaptation plan will recognise threats but also opportunities for action involving different older groups.  More information is available here.5
  • Get to know your target audience – consider the range of personal and social characteristics associated with older people that affect their behaviour and take account of varying interests and outlook. It may be helpful to consider differences in experiences, perceptions and outlooks between people aged 50-64, 65-74 and over 75 years of age, while still recognising that these are also extremely disparate sub-groups6.  For example, the relative importance of what gives people a good quality of life could also differ between people with different ethnic and social backgrounds.7
  • Use trusted intermediaries – information tends to be better received and accepted if delivered by local and well established community groups or recognised authorities, such as GPs8, local leaders (e.g. Councillors) and the emergency services. Peer-to-peer and family networks and neighbours may also be particularly well placed to help with some aspects of preparing for and responding to events.
  • Use peer to peer communication – existing social networks have a vitally important role and can be very effective when provided with the correct information if this is delivered clearly and unambiguously. 
  • Use positive messages – accessible forms of actions and easy tips which stress positive outcomes can help to encourage behavioural change.
  • Use the right “frames” – information can be more acceptable if it is related to contexts which are meaningful for the particular individuals and groups. This might consider appropriate terms such as thrift, family and community for motivating preparatory action. Reducing burdens for the next generation can also be a powerful motivator for action given that more than 80% of people believe that their grandchildren will face bigger problems from climate change than they do9. This is applicable to preparing for impacts as well as for reducing carbon emissions.  
  • Show real life examples – examples of what other peers have done can be helpful. Information can be delivered in places like shops, health centres, community centres and religious institutions. See the Further Resources section for a set of case studies relating to older people.
  • Develop an inclusive dialogue – often concerns and misconceptions only emerge through discussion with individuals and specific groups and not always through individuals who work with older people in a professional capacity.
  • Maximise participation – events need to be tailored to the audience including through considerations like timing, format and the safety and accessibility of venues. Face-to-face engagement can be important (whether directly or through community groups) since some older people are unlikely to access materials via the internet. Appropriate resourcing for face-to-face engagement is also important for some participation. Working with carers may be important for supporting the engagement of older people with higher support needs.
  • Ensure the setting is right for change – the adaptive capacity of older people may be reliant on community services without which self-help is extremely difficult.

 

  1. Make use of specific guidance for raising awareness among older people. There are various sources of information which can be used to help develop personal plans:

 

  1. Consider how staff training events can be used to build up knowledge of the issues.

Figure 6: Checklists produced by the Audit Commission10.

 

  1. Consult guidance about the particular needs of older people after a flooding event has occurred.  A set of considerations and possible actions to address the ‘recovery gap’ more broadly can be found here11, including:
  • Single points of contact and dedicated local teams to help to deal with issues like insurance claims and managing remedial work.
  • Contact points and advice services advertised in local media and warning systems which use a range of communication methods.
  • Continuity of service provision and providers during the recovery process, even if people need to be physically relocated. Some older people can find such changes difficult and stressful to manage.
  • Statements of principles with landlords, estate agents and utility companies.
  • Support for continuing networks after initial recovery phases, e.g. through provision of meeting spaces.

 

  1. Work in partnership with others. Partnership working is a crucial part of any response to the challenges of climate change and extreme weather. Workshops are one way through which improved dialogue can be achieved, but in order to make meetings as effective as possible it is important to involve all relevant organisations.
  • See the Further Resources section for a link to an example of who to involve. A list of organisations that should be considered is provided in the ‘Under the Weather’ toolkit. Local Resilience Forums also provide a good basis for collaboration and dialogue and provide a foundation for understanding pressures and opportunities across a range of organisations with shared goals and related responsibilities. 
  • Also see Benefits of partnership working.

 

  1. Support and encourage local organisations to work with the voluntary and community sector to raise awareness of climate risks and promote personal adaptation strategies. Where possible, this should build on existing programmes and voluntary sector initiatives and pay particular attention to reaching marginalised communities. Some areas may have well developed community organisations, facilities and networks which can be used to disseminate good practice and promote appropriate self-help alongside responses delivered through social services. Dialogue with friends, neighbours and family are also important, especially since such networks are highly influential and can help to proliferate inaccurate or out-of-date information12. Neighbours can be an extremely important source of help but older neighbours can be overlooked in the stresses of dealing with the challenges of events like flooding13.
  • See the Further Resources (Section 6. Above) for links to relevant case studies such as:
  •  The Snow Angels initiative. This aimed to reduce the physical and social isolation of sensitive individuals during cold weather but ideas could be extended to consider needs during other extreme weather events.
  • NCVO’s work with older people as part of their Vulnerable People and Climate Change project.

 

  1. Use existing processes and good practice guidelines to help draw up adaptation plans for health and social care organisations. 

 

  1. Ensure that preparedness for extreme events includes relevant infrastructure, such as buildings which are important for delivering health and social care so that patients and staff are protected from the impacts of events like heat-waves and flooding14. Such buildings include hospitals, clinics and health centres, doctors’ surgeries, care centres, residential care and nursing homes, day centres and general care facilities.

 

  1. Explore ways in which changes can be made in how and where people work, the codes of practice used and the sorts of systems used to deliver services. Relatively simple back up measures may be helpful, such as the use of telephone follow ups in place of appointments if patient access is an issue during extreme events15.  Telehealth and Telecare may also offer some opportunities. 

 

  1. Consider how adaptations can be made in care homes with the help of residents. For example, this may involve setting up agreements about areas within care homes which can be designated ‘warm’ or ‘cool’. This could also apply more generally in public buildings, like libraries.

 

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Find out more

People in poor health

Find out more

Benefits of working in partnership

Practice Case study

Helping reduce social isolation during extreme weather: Snow Angels (Cheshire)

References

  1. Houston, D., Werritty, A., Bassett, D., Geddes, A., Hoolachan, A. & McMillan, M. (2011) Pluvial (rain-related) flooding in urban areas: the invisible hazard, Joseph Rowntree Foundation, York.
  2. Audit Commission (2008) Don’t stop me now. Preparing for an ageing population Local government National report July 2008
  3. Haq, G., Brown, D. and Hards, S (2010) Older People and Climate Change: the Case for Better Engagement Stockholm Environment Institute, Project Report – 2010
  4. Haq, G., Whitelegg, J. and Kohler, M (2008) Growing Old in a Changing Climate Meeting the challenges of an ageing population and climate change
  5. Audit Commission (2008) Don’t stop me now. Preparing for an ageing population Local government National report July 2008
  6. Haq, G., Whitelegg, J. and Kohler, M (2008) Growing Old in a Changing Climate Meeting the challenges of an ageing population and climate change
  7. Bajekal, M., Blanc, D., Grewal, I., Kurslon, S. and Nazroo, J. (2004) Ethnic differences in influences on quality of life at older ages: a quantitative analysis, Ageing & Society, 24, 5, 709–28
  8. Lindley, E. et al (2012) Improving Decision-Making in the Care of Older People: Exploring Decision Ecology
  9. Haq, G., Brown, D. and Hards, S (2010) Older People and Climate Change: the Case for Better Engagement Stockholm Environment Institute, Project Report – 2010
  10. Audit Commission (2008) Don’t stop me now. Preparing for an ageing population Local government National report July 2008
  11. Whittle, et al. (2010) ‘After the rain: Learning the lessons from flood recovery in Hull’, final project report for Flood, Vulnerability and Urban Resilience: A real-time study of local recovery following the floods of June 2007 in Hull. Lancaster: Lancaster University
  12. Wolf, J., Adger, W. N., Lorenzoni, I., Abrahamson, V. and Raine, R. (2010) ‘Social capital, individual responses to heatwaves and climate change adaptation: An empirical study of two UK cities’. Global Environmental Change, 20, pp. 44–52
  13. Preston, I, Banks, N, Hargreaves, K. Kazmierczak, A, Lucas, K Mayne, R Downing C and  Street, R (2014) Climate Change and Social Justice: An Evidence Review Joseph Rowntree Foundation
  14. NHS Sustainable development Unit (2012) Adaptation to Climate Change for Health and Social care organisations “Co-ordinated, Resilient, Prepared”.
  15. NHS Sustainable development Unit (2012) Adaptation to Climate Change for Health and Social care organisations “Co-ordinated, Resilient, Prepared”.

 

 

 

On this page:

 

 

Tools and resources
 

Name

Developer

Type of Resource

Flooding: be prepared, a guide for older people

Environment Agency with Help the Aged

Guidance

Information summary (online) for preparing for and dealing with flooding. Based on Environment Agency information.

AgeUK

Guidance

Pets and Flooding advice about what to do to prepare for companion animals, based on Environment Agency guidance

Blue Cross

Guidance

Under the Weather toolkit

Climate Ready/SDU

Toolkit

Local Climate Impacts Profile (LCLIP)

Designed to support the UKCIP Climate Adaptation Wizard, this tool supports local assessments of past weather-related events and their impacts as a basis for understanding the possible impacts of future weather-related events.

UKCIP

Cross-cutting

Guidance and Spreadsheets

Finding out what a dementia friendly community means to people with dementia and carers. Toolkit for engaging people with dementia and carers

Hampshire County Council

Guidance

Community Resilience Toolkit

Aimed at local communities and the organisations working with them, this set of resources supports the process of understanding local needs and developing emergency plans based on those needs

Cabinet Office (UK)

Communities

Reports, checklists and case studies

Severe Weather Impacts Monitoring System (SWIMS)

A data collection tool to encourage learning about the impacts of and responses to past extreme weather events as the basis for improved future decision-making.

Kent County Council

Cross-cutting

Online Tool

Built Infrastructure for Older People’s Care in Conditions of Climate Change (BIOPICCC) Toolkit

Aimed at anyone with a role in supporting health and social care for older people. Resources cover understanding needs and protecting infrastructure.

Durham University

Health and Social Care

Online Tool

Cold Weather Plan for England (2013)

The plan provides the framework for action during specific periods of very cold weather. It includes an ‘equality analysis’ and other resources which can assist local decision-making

Public Health England/NHS

Health and social care sector

Reports and action cards.

Advice produced through the Heat-wave plan for England 2013

The heat-wave plan contains advice for a range of practitioners and the public

Public Health England

Advice for different groups

Housing our Ageing Population: Plan for Implementation HAPPI, Final report

Considers the specific housing needs of older people and provides a set of case studies for good practice.

All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Housing and Care for Older People

Report and Guidance

A selection of planning and design resources for specialist housing for older people

 

Housing LIN

Website

Public Health Outcomes Data Tool

A set of indicators and associated data about public health and health inequalities supporting the Public Health Outcomes Framework. Data Indicators are updated on a regular basis and available at a range of geographies across England

Public Health England

Health sector

Data

Strategic Health Asset Planning and Evaluation (SHAPE)

A mapping tool principally aiming to support strategic planning of health services and infrastructure but which has a role in providing more effective adaptation solutions.

Department of Health

Health Sector

Online Tool

Your Human Rights A guide for older people

 

Overview of what human rights legislation means for older people with a number of case examples of how human rights can be breached, including through health care, housing and social services.  Second edition

British Institute of Human Rights (2010)

Guidance document

Advice for care home managers and staff: supporting vulnerable people before and during a heat-wave

 

Public Health England

Health sector

Guidance document

Advice for health and social care practitioners: supporting vulnerable people before and during a heat-wave

Public Health England

Health sector

Guidance document

Flooding and mental health: essential information for front-line responders

Health Protection Agency

Health sector Guidance document

How volunteer groups can help in emergencies

Guidance and resources to assist volunteer groups including legislative links  and information about the Voluntary Sector Civil Protection Forum

Cabinet Office

Advice for volunteer groups

Vulnerable People and Climate Change Project report

From a 2 year project looking at improving information about climate impacts, adaptation measures, carbon emissions reduction and related campaigning.

NCVO

Report – evidence, analysis and recommendations

 

 

Reports
 

Name

Author

Type of Resource

Don’t stop me now Preparing for an ageing population

 

An investigation of how older people can best be supported to increase their long-term independence and health with a set of actions for local government.  

Audit Commission (2008)

Report

Growing Old in a Changing Climate

 

Meeting the challenges of an ageing population and climate change A summary of evidence and recommendations for action from the perspective of older groups.

 

Haq, G., Whitelegg, J. and Kohler, M (2008)

Report

Older People and Climate Change: the Case for Better Engagement

 

Stockholm Environment Institute, Project Report – 2010 Centring on climate mitigation but with a lot of information and recommendations which are relevant to mitigation and adaptation measures.

Haq, G., Brown, D. and Hards, S (2010)

Report

Managing climate risks to well-being and the economy

Progress Report 2014. Looks at progress towards preparing for climate change impacts. The ASC have also developed a set of indicators designed to help track progress which will be useful to review at the local level.

Adaptation Sub-Committee (2014)

Report

Climate Change and Social Justice: An Evidence Review

 

A review of recent evidence, including from projects funded through the Joseph Rowntree Foundation.

Preston, I, Banks, N, Hargreaves, K. Kazmierczak, A, Lucas, K Mayne, R Downing C and  Street, R (2014)

Report

UK Climate Change Risk Assessment: Evidence Report, London

Defra

Report

Sustainable, Resilient, Healthy People & Places

A Sustainable Development Strategy for the NHS, Public Health and Social Care system

Public Health England and the NHS Sustainable Development Unit (2014)

Report

Adaptation to Climate Change for Health and Social care organisations “Co-ordinated, Resilient, Prepared”.

NHS Sustainable development Unit (2012)

Report

Health Technical Memorandum 07-07: Sustainable health and social care buildings

Department of Health

Report

Impacts of climate change on disadvantaged UK coastal communities

Zsamboky et al (2011)

Report

The Health Effects of Climate Change in the UK 2012

Vardoulakis & Heaviside (2012)

Report

 

 

Case studies and examples
 

Name

Developer

Type of Resource

Don’t stop me now. Preparing for an ageing population

Local government National report, July 2008. Contains 23 case studies and ideas of actions related to supporting older people.

Audit Commission (2008)

Case Studies (external) and links to other tools and resources

Greater Manchester Local Climate Impacts Profile

Ecocities

Online example of an LCLIP

Snow Angels

Based in Cheshire, this is the result of a partnership between organisations involved in health, housing, environmental & emergency planning and the local community to provide community-based responses to extreme cold weather in a rural area

Climate Just team with Snow Angels representatives

Case Study

Islington Seasonal Health Interventions Network (SHINE)

The project was established to tackle the causes of fuel poverty and excess winter deaths and hospital admissions in a holistic way

Islington

Case Study

Vulnerable People and Climate Change

Project report from a 2 year project looking at improving information about climate impacts, adaptation measures, carbon emissions reduction and related campaigning. The project involved more than 50 organisations from which 20 drew up action plans on adaptation and/or carbon reduction related to their specific activities.

NCVO

Case studies and personal views from the voluntary sector

 

 

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