Older Adults Are at Risk in Heat Waves, but It's Not Just Age: How Public Systems and Policies Are Failing Them

Older adults are at risk in heat waves, but it's not just age: How public systems and policies are failing them

Five years ago, British Columbia's heat dome became one of the deadliest weather disasters in Canadian history.

Older adults are at risk in heat waves, but it’s not just age: How public systems and policies are failing them

Older adults are frequently discussed as a vulnerable group during extreme heat, but vulnerability is not simply a function of age. (In-Press Photography via Centre for Ageing Better), CC BYFive years ago, British Columbia’s heat dome became one of the deadliest weather disasters in Canadian history. Over eight days in late June and early July 2021, 619 people died from heat-related causes. Most were older adults. Many lived alone. Nearly all di…