Climate Change and Health Care Use in Older Adults
Author Information
Author(s): Enroth Linda, Kananen Laura, Tapola Ella, Pulkki Jutta
Primary Institution: Tampere University
Hypothesis
How are extreme air temperatures associated with healthcare use in populations aged 65 and older in Europe?
Conclusion
Extreme air temperatures are linked to increased healthcare use among older adults, particularly for cardiovascular and respiratory conditions.
Supporting Evidence
- 20 out of 33 studies on heat found a positive association with healthcare use.
- 16 out of 22 studies on cold also found a positive association.
- Most studies focused on cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.
Takeaway
When it's really hot or cold, older people go to the doctor more often because of health problems.
Methodology
The study screened 1,457 articles and reviewed 121 full-texts to extract data from 43 articles on healthcare use related to extreme temperatures.
Potential Biases
Limited investigation into social vulnerabilities may introduce bias in understanding healthcare use.
Limitations
Research quality varies, and most studies focus on exacerbation of chronic conditions without considering broader social vulnerabilities.
Participant Demographics
Populations aged 65 and older in Europe.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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