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Environmental Scan of Tools and Frameworks Assessing Climate-Related Health Vulnerabilities in Older Populations
Connie Cai Ru Gan1,2, Cicely K Nurse1, Pratik Chaturbhai Sohaliya1
1School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport, QLD, Australia.
Environmental Health Insights
|August 1, 2026
Summary
Existing tools inadequately assess climate change health risks for older adults, missing age-specific vulnerabilities. Future assessments need geriatric-specific indicators for accurate risk evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Geriatric Medicine
- Public Health Policy
Background:
- Climate change exacerbates health inequities, disproportionately affecting vulnerable older adults.
- The global senior population is rapidly expanding, necessitating tailored health system responses.
- Existing health systems require robust tools to address climate-related risks in the elderly.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct an environmental scan of tools and frameworks for assessing climate-related health vulnerabilities in older adults.
- To evaluate the suitability of current assessment methods for older populations.
- To inform equitable healthcare planning and enhance system resilience for climate change adaptation.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was performed across five electronic databases and grey literature.
- The PRISMA checklist guided the review process, with study appraisal using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) tool.
- Twenty-three relevant studies were identified and included in the analysis.
Main Results:
- Only two tools explicitly targeted older adults, focusing mainly on heat risks.
- Most tools used general indicators, underestimating age-specific vulnerabilities like functional decline and social isolation.
- Geographic disparities were noted, with limited research from South Asia and MENA regions; most studies used outdated IPCC models.
Conclusions:
- Significant gaps exist in age-specific tools for assessing climate risks in older adults.
- Future research must integrate geriatric-specific indicators and updated IPCC frameworks for improved accuracy.
- Enhanced assessment tools are crucial for protecting the growing elderly population from climate-related health threats.
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