{"id":2285,"date":"2024-04-04T20:35:12","date_gmt":"2024-04-04T20:35:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bchealthycommunities.ca\/?p=2285"},"modified":"2025-07-10T22:38:29","modified_gmt":"2025-07-10T22:38:29","slug":"how-older-adults-can-reduce-risks-of-climate-change-hazards","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bchealthycommunities.ca\/index.php\/2024\/04\/04\/how-older-adults-can-reduce-risks-of-climate-change-hazards\/","title":{"rendered":"How Older Adults Can Reduce Risks of Climate Change Hazards"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Older adults are particularly vulnerable and more at risk during extreme weather events.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

As climate change intensi\ufb01es, older adults in British Columbia will face increasing health threats from wild\ufb01res and extreme temperatures. Now is the time to gain a better understanding of provincial emergency response resources and prepare for potential hazards. With nearly one-\ufb01fth<\/a> of B.C.\u2019s population 65 years or older in 2022 (increasing<\/a> to 25% in 2031), communities and local governments need to help this growing demographic assess the risks and learn what can be done to stay safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While climate change affects everyone, older adults are particularly vulnerable and more at risk during extreme weather events due to a range of underlying health issues. Heatwaves, for example, can heighten cardiovascular and respiratory conditions, leading to increased hospitalizations and sometimes even death. Poor air quality from increasing pollution levels, allergens and wild\ufb01re smoke can negatively affect older adults with respiratory problems like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many older adults also have limited mobility and may \ufb01nd it challenging to evacuate during emergencies or find shelter. They may also have difficulty accessing medical care or medications after a climate disaster. To address these challenges, local governments and communities need to implement strategies that enhance the resilience of older adults. Options could involve creating targeted emergency response plans, improving infrastructure, promoting community support networks and ensuring access to healthcare and social services. Here are some essential resources that local and Indigenous governments can share to help residents effectively navigate wild\ufb01re emergencies and cope with extreme heat conditions. The right knowledge and precautions can help older adults enjoy a safe and comfortable summer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A range of provincial resources to support planning and preparedness are provided below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Emergency Preparedness<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Being prepared is the key to effectively managing emergency situations. The BC government provides comprehensive resources and guidelines to help local governments and residents overall to plan for the occurrence of wild\ufb01res and high temperatures. The Emergency Preparedness BC website<\/a> offers valuable information on creating emergency kits, developing evacuation plans and staying informed through reliable channels like the Emergency Info BC website and mobile app.<\/p>\n\n\n\n