Early-Life Experiences as Moderators of the Relationship Between Extreme Heat and Alcohol Consumption among Older...

Climate change has intensified the frequency and duration of extreme heat events worldwide, posing growing public health risks, particularly for older adults who are physiologically more susceptible to heat-related illnesses. Concurrently, alcohol consumption among older adults in the United States has risen significantly over the past 2 decades, increasing vulnerability to dehydration, cardiovascular strain, and cognitive impairment during heat exposure. Emerging evidence suggests that environmental stressors such as extreme heat may exacerbate maladaptive coping behaviors, including alcohol use; however, few studies have examined this association in aging populations. Moreover, little is known about how early-life experiences such as childhood adversity or positive parental relationships shape behavioral responses to environmental stressors later in life.

This study examines the relationship between extreme heat and alcohol consumption among older Americans, emphasizing the moderating role of early-life experiences within a life course framework.

Using data from individuals aged >50 years in the Health and Retirement Study (1996-2018), we analyzed the association between extreme heat exposure (>95 °F) and alcohol consumption, while examining whether early-life experiences such as parental substance abuse, law enforcement encounters, and relationships with fathers moderate this relationship.

Extreme heat exposure was significantly associated with increased alcohol consumption (0.21% per additional extreme heat day, P<.001). A positive father-child relationship buffered this effect, while adverse early-life experiences, including law enforcement encounters (0.08%, P<.001) and parental substance abuse (0.05%, P<.001), exacerbated it.

Given the link between extreme heat and alcohol use in older adults, further longitudinal research and targeted interventions are needed to mitigate associated health risks. Strengthening positive childhood experiences may offer long-term protective effects by fostering resilience and healthier coping mechanisms that persist into later life.