Severe weather events can have enduring effects on the health and survival of older adults, particularly those who are already vulnerable, according to research published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society drawing on data from the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey.
Using Medicare claims records for almost 1.8 million fee-for-service beneficiaries aged 65 and over in Texas and Louisiana, the researchers examined mortality patterns following the hurricane. Their analysis showed that older adults who were exposed to areas of high rainfall during Hurricane Harvey faced a 3 per cent higher risk of death within one year of the event compared with their less-exposed counterparts. The increase in mortality was most pronounced among individuals with chronic conditions that require ongoing medical management, such as chronic kidney disease, Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. In absolute terms, the most significant number of excess deaths occurred among people living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, with an estimated 1,245 additional deaths in the year after the hurricane.
The study also revealed marked disparities across racial and ethnic groups. Black older adults experienced a 6 per cent higher mortality risk. In comparison, Hispanic and Latino older adults faced a 13 per cent increase relative to other populations, underscoring how disasters can disproportionately affect groups that already face structural disadvantages.
Commenting on the findings, corresponding author Sue Anne Bell, PhD, of the University of Michigan, emphasised that the consequences of disasters extend well beyond their immediate aftermath. She noted that such events not only disrupt services in the short term but also lay bare and intensify existing weaknesses in the healthcare system. For older adults who depend on regular, uninterrupted care, even brief interruptions can lead to serious, lasting health consequences.
More information: Sue Anne Bell et al, Variation in One-Year Mortality Following Severe Weather Exposure Among Older Americans by Chronic Health Condition and Sociodemographic Status, Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. DOI: 10.1111/jgs.70237
Journal information: Journal of the American Geriatrics Society Provided by Wiley
