Governments and organizations must listen to older adults’ experiences with extreme heat, flooding and wildfire smoke to create effective policies and programs
Last summer brought scorching hot temperatures and record-breaking heatwaves to British Columbia. Unfortunately, the heat was not the only record that skyrocketed — what followed was a chain of extreme weather events.
As Vancouver is currently predicted to experience flooding in the coming weeks, followed by possible heat domes throughout the summer, governments and organizations need to allocate their time and resources to prioritize the needs of the older adults experiencing homelessness and housing issues. During last year’s record breaking heat, formal supports like emergency health services were limited by long wait times, specifically impacting those with chronic conditions. In Vancouver, for example, an older person had to wait 11 hours before receiving treatment for heat exhaustion.
Emergency preparedness For most people, extreme heat or wildfire smoke may mean a night of tossing and turning and increased indoor time. For older adults experiencing homelessness or housing issues, it could mean life or death.Emergency preparedness is one step. For example, municipalities across the country organized public cooling centres during the heatwave. And ensuring these resources are accessible to all is critical, but it doesn’t always happen.
In the long term, city planning can also support the homeless community by increasing tree canopy and shade opportunities that are located near benches, to provide cooler resting areas. Climate change will continue to impact our communities and serve as a danger to older adults who are experiencing housing insecurities. By connecting and amplifying their voices, we can inform research and policy innovation that focuses on accessible emergency preparedness and safety measures.Atiya Mahmood receives partnership grant funding from Social Science and Humanities Research Council for the Aging in the Right Place project.