Climate change is more than an environmental concern; it’s a public health challenge that affects us all. Older adults face special risks with age-related changes in the heart, lungs and kidneys, along with the body’s natural ability to keep cool. The addition of chronic conditions and certain medications can make heat, smoke, poor air quality and extreme weather even more dangerous. The good news: practical steps and smart self-advocacy can lower risks and strengthen your support network. Here are a few ways climate change affects health:

Heat and humidity. More frequent, longer heat waves raise risks of dehydration, heat exhaustion/heat stroke, kidney strain and hospitalizations. Some medications (for blood pressure, fluid balance, bladder issues, Parkinson’s and certain psychiatric conditions) can increase heat sensitivity, so ask about yours during a medication review with your doctor.

Air quality and wildfire smoke. Fine particles and ozone can worsen asthma/COPD, trigger heart attacks and strokes and strain mental sharpness. Check the daily Air Quality Index (AQI), which is included in most weather apps on your phone, and adjust activities. An AQI over 101 is unhealthy for some older adults, especially those with asthma and chronic lung conditions, and worsens for all with higher levels.

Extreme weather and outages. Storms, floods, and wildfires disrupt power, medicine refrigeration, oxygen/medical devices, caregiver access and transportation. After floods, mold exposure, which can be insidious, may harm lungs.

Changing disease patterns. Warmer climates expand the range of ticks and mosquitoes that spread illnesses like Lyme disease and West Nile virus. Older adults with weaker immune systems face higher complication risks.

The Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association (GAPNA) urges clinicians to integrate climate risks into everyday geriatric care and to advocate for safer communities. You can use these GAPNA recommendations to speak up for yourself and your loved ones by asking your provider:

1. Ask for a climate-informed care plan

Request “heat and smoke day” instructions (when to stay indoors, fluids, cooling strategies, when to call).
Build an emergency call plan to cover power outages, oxygen/back-up power, refrigerated meds, dialysis/infusions and caregiver access.

2. Get a medication and safety review before heat season

Ask whether any current meds raise heat/sun sensitivity or dehydration risk.
Create a hydration and cooling plan; review blood pressure/weight self-monitoring during hot weeks.

3. Prepare your home environment

Confirm your A/C works; identify the coolest room and a backup location (friend, library, cooling center).
Improve indoor air on smoky days: close windows, use a HEPA room air purifier and track daily AQI number.

4. Strengthen your support network

Enroll in wellness checks through a senior center, set up a “buddy system” for heat waves and storms.
Keep an updated list of meds, allergies, providers, emergency contacts, and device serial numbers in a go-bag.

The health threats of climate change are real, but action is possible. Use this Daily Safety Checklist to protect yourself:

Heat alerts. Drink regularly (unless on fluid restriction), wear light clothing, use fans/AC, take cool showers and plan activities in the morning.

Know signs of heat stroke: confusion, numbness or weakness on one side of the body, fainting, very hot/dry skin and call 911.

Stay inside on smoke days (AQI >101). Stay indoors with filtered air, limit exertion, consider a well-fitting N95 mask if you must go out, and keep rescue inhalers refilled and handy if prescribed.

Power planning. Register with your utility’s medical baseline/priority program if eligible, store ice packs and have a plan for charging phones and medical devices. Don’t stop or change medications without talking to your provider.

Climate change can feel overwhelming, but knowledge and action make a real difference. By staying prepared, protecting your health and speaking up for your community, you can help shape a safer, healthier future.

Older adults have a lifetime of wisdom, experience and resilience—qualities our world needs now more than ever. Every step you take, from checking air quality to sharing your story, helps build a stronger, more caring planet for generations to come.

Dr. Porter is CEO and founder of MyHealth.MyAdvocate in Palm Desert and can be reached at (760) 851.4116. Visit myhealthmyadvocate.com. (Sources available upon request).