Climate Change Affects 89% of Madrid's Elderly, New Study Finds
A recent study involving the Open University of Catalonia (UOC) has revealed the significant impact of climate change on the daily lives of elderly people in Madrid and Warsaw. The research, part of the EDiT-Cities project, found that 89% of Madrid's elderly and 71% of Warsaw's were affected by climate change, with heat being a major concern.
The study, which collaborated with the German Weather Service (DWD) and the city of Speyer, focused on the perception and lifestyle of elderly people regarding urban heat increase in summer 2021 and 2022. Participants, particularly women, expressed worry about the shortcomings of public policies in addressing heat issues. The increase in temperatures, more noticeable and extreme in urban cores, was a pressing concern.
To cope with extreme temperatures, recommendations included adjusting daily exercise routines, seeking refuge in cooler spaces, and reducing air conditioning use. However, the investigation highlighted that heat alert systems and action protocols may not fully address the severe effects of heat for some people, making the impacts of climate change less tangible.
The UOC study underscores the need to consider the human body as a crucial focus in climate change discussions, not just environmental factors. It emphasizes the importance of understanding and addressing the specific challenges faced by elderly people, particularly women, in urban heat islands. The EDiT-Cities project, with the DWD's key role in providing meteorological data, aims to support future urban planning by developing climate-resilient urban digital twins.
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