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Protecting Older Adults From the Growing Threats of Extreme Heat

Summary

This report emphasizes the urgent need for policymakers to address the growing risks that extreme heat poses to older adults. As the climate crisis intensifies, older populations—especially those with chronic health conditions, living in substandard housing, or facing social isolation—are increasingly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses and deaths. The report advocates for incorporating climate and heat resilience into aging policies, improving coordination between health care and aging services, and increasing funding for programs like the Older Americans Act. It also calls for targeted efforts to reduce energy insecurity among older adults and to prioritize them in climate resilience and clean energy initiatives. The report concludes that safeguarding older adults from extreme heat requires comprehensive, coordinated action across multiple policy areas.

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Environmental Justice
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