78% of older persons experienced at least one climate-related hazard in the last three years: HelpAge India report

NEW DELHI: A first of its kind study brings into focus the challenges faced by elderly persons of 60 and above in rural areas due to climate risks like heat waves, floods and droughts.

A significant 78% of older persons surveyed experienced at least one climate-related hazard in the last three years - heatwaves (45%), floods (27%) and droughts (20%) were the most commonly reported hazards.The report by HelpAge India that covered 2224 elderly people from 20 districts (5 villages in each district) across 10 states found that many respondents experienced repeated events, increasing pressure on recovery and adaptation capacities.

The study notes that heat stress poses major challenges for older persons, especially those in ‘kutcha’ or poorly ventilated houses, with around 60% of those in this category reporting their homes are not fully safe.While most affected by heatwaves stay indoors (90%) and increase water intake (81%), illness still rises (74%), existing conditions worsen (44%), and healthcare access becomes difficult (33%).Released on Monday to mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day observed each year on June 15, the study calls for focus on "Climate Resilient Ageing: Ensuring Care, Dignity and Agency".

"While govt schemes provide a critical safety net, a more multi-pronged approach is needed. Integrating ageing into climate adaptation, climate financing, elder-centric disaster risk reduction and social protection policies is essential,” said Rohit Prasad, CEO, HelpAge India.More than one-third of those exposed to hazards, reported moderate to severe impacts on their lives. Older persons living alone (13%), widows (33%), those aged 80 and above (28%), and older persons with cognitive, communication or mental health difficulties (12%) face disproportionately greater challenges and risks.The survey covered elderly women and men in Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Uttarakhand. The analysis also draws from focus group discussions, interviews and case studies.“Financial constraints are the single largest barrier to resilience, reported by 69% of respondents, followed by health limitations, inadequate information, weak institutional support and community-level challenges,” it is stated in the report.“Climate resilience is not determined by hazards alone but by the resources and support systems available to older persons before, during and after climate shocks,” the report states.Most older persons view government schemes and disaster-related services positively, with 62% considering available support sufficient during climate-related events. However, satisfaction declines sharply among those with poor health, insecure housing, financial dependence, social isolation and severe disaster impacts.Among those who perceive support as inadequate, the most significant gaps relate to healthcare services during climate shocks (62%), financial assistance and social protection (51%), emergency response (41%), and disaster preparedness and early warning systems (38%).Looking ahead, respondents identified greater financial support (72%) and improved healthcare access (51%) as the two most important priorities for strengthening resilience.