A recent report titled “Climate Resilient Ageing: Ensuring Care, Dignity and Agency”, released by HelpAge India, highlights the growing vulnerability of older persons to climate change. As heatwaves, floods and droughts become more frequent, elderly populations are facing heightened health, economic and social challenges. The report draws attention to an often-overlooked reality: climate change affects everyone, but not everyone is equally equipped to cope with its consequences.

A Growing Vulnerability

• Older persons are particularly vulnerable to climate risks due to age-related health conditions and reduced physical resilience.
• Heat stress, extreme weather events and environmental degradation can have a disproportionate impact on their well-being.
• The convergence of population ageing and climate change is emerging as a critical policy challenge.

Why the Elderly Face Greater Risks

• Limited mobility often makes evacuation, relief access and recovery more difficult during disasters.
• Social isolation and dependence on caregivers can further weaken their ability to respond to climate-related emergencies.
• Financial insecurity restricts access to healthcare, medicines and other adaptive measures.

The Need for Inclusive Climate Action

• Climate adaptation policies often overlook the specific needs of older persons.
• Integrating elderly concerns into disaster management, healthcare and social protection systems is essential for building resilient communities.

The Bigger Picture

Addressing climate change is not only an environmental challenge but also a social responsibility. Ensuring the dignity, safety and well-being of older persons must be an integral part of climate action, so that no section of society is left behind in the pursuit of a sustainable future.