Why we need to talk about older people and climate change in Africa

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Why we need to talk about older people and climate change in *******

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******* is often viewed as a relatively

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, with less than 7% of the population over 60. But this is set to change. Declining fertility rates and increasing life expectancy mean that by 2050, the number of people over 60 in ******* is projected to triple to

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(about 9% of the ******** population).

This demographic shift is occurring when

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is intensifying, leading to more frequent and severe extreme weather events such as heat waves, flooding and tropical cyclones.

By 2050, older adults in ******* are projected to face significantly higher

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due to rapid population growth and climate change, with an increase in extreme heat events. This will heighten health risks and put pressure on local services, especially in low-income areas with limited ability to cope with the strain.

As we age, it gets ******* to control body temperature. Longtime health issues like heart and lung ******** and diabetes make older people more likely to become dehydrated.

In *******, many older people struggle to get the physical, mental, social and financial support they need to cope with the

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of extreme weather.

Urgent strategies

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to protect older people from extreme weather such as heat waves. These include

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(air conditioning) and early warning systems that tell older people when it is getting dangerously hot. Climate change adaptation plans must be integrated with policies on aging to protect older people.

I research

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—the intersection between

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. As part of my research I am undertaking a series of

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in collaboration with

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. Here are the key issues we found in *******.

Climate change is harsh on older people

Older people vary in health and mobility. Some older individuals remain active and healthy, allowing them to cope better with the disruptions caused by extreme weather. Other, less active older adults tend to be vulnerable to climate-related threats because of weaker physical health, reduced mobility and higher risk of existing ********.

In *******, older people are

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because

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limited basic infrastructure. This is especially the case in rural areas, where access to health care, clean water and emergency services is often poor. ********, living alone, and depending on small-scale farming make them even more susceptible to extreme weather.

The impact of climate change

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the continent, resulting in severe

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,

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and unprecedented heat waves.

In

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, about 15,700 people were ******* in extreme weather disasters in *******, and a further 34 million people affected. Storm Daniel caused widespread devastation in

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, displacing 2.4 million people.

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, Somalia and Ethiopia experienced intense rainfall and flooding. Northern ******* faced record-breaking heat, with temperatures reaching 49.0°C in

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and 50.4°C in Algeria. Severe droughts hit Morocco, Algeria and Zambia, affecting millions.

Prolonged droughts and crop failures make food shortages worse and mean that older people are unable to access healthy, nutritious food.

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contribute to displacement and difficulties in accessing health care, resulting in stress and anxiety.

Older people are also affected by the

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. Not having as much access to digital tools like smartphones means they cannot always get the information they need. They may not be able to see climate change education programs, or get early warnings of extreme weather.

Solutions

Traditional knowledge: This is the understanding and practices that older people in ******* have gained over generations about their local environment. It includes knowing about climate patterns, resource use and disaster preparedness. Recognizing this valuable knowledge can help communities adapt to climate change and strengthen local community resilience.

Regular assessments: Local authorities and community organizations must monitor how older people are coping with climate impacts. This will lead to more effective adaptation strategies that make use of their insights.

Healthy aging: Older people need support to take care of their bodies, minds and social lives so that they can stay active and remain independent.

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helps prevent illness and disabilities, and allows older adults to connect with communities and cope with extreme weather.

One-stop shops for older people: These should be set up by community-based organizations, charities and government agencies to provide services such as financial assistance, health care and nutrition support specifically tailored for older people. They could also train older people to adapt to climate change.

Involve older people in climate adaptation: Through their local organizations, older people should be involved in disaster risk reduction plans.

Older people have already played vital roles in climate adaptation efforts across *******. In Kenya, their mobilization for

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shows what a great contribution older people can make to the environment. A group of different generations also works together in Kenya on

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—planting climate-resilient crops to cope with unpredictable weather patterns.

Policy changes needed

For these solutions to become a reality, policies, and budgets are needed.

First, policymakers should consult older people and their representatives when they draw up climate resilience strategies. Region-specific strategies are best. For example, when setting up community-based early warning systems for extreme weather events, local authorities could work with non-governmental organizations to create a system that provides timely alerts aimed at older people.

Second,

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, such as accessible health care facilities and housing that can withstand extreme weather, must be set up.

Third, stronger laws and political commitment will result in stronger policies for older people. The lack of political will often results in insufficient attention and resources being allocated to

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. Without strong commitment from policymakers, older populations are frequently overlooked. This limits their ability to adapt effectively.

Fourth, social protection systems such as cash transfer programs must be improved to give financial help to vulnerable older people. Programs that provide direct support and jobs in projects that protect against climate impacts are also a good idea.

To make this happen, governments and institutions must start collecting more data on how older people are affected by climate change. By developing inclusive policies, we can promote healthy aging while empowering older adults to play an active role in building climate resilience.

Provided by
The Conversation

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#talk #older #people #climate #change #*******

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