The health impacts of climate change influenced extreme weather events on older Australians

AAG undertook a rapid evidence assessment on heatwaves and their impact on older people in Australia. Despite the limitations in evidence quality, the assessment offers valuable insights into the health impact of heatwaves on older populations, paving the way for targeted policy and practice interventions to enhance their resilience and well-being during extreme heat events.

Climate change is contributing to higher rates of extreme temperature events, which are disproportionately impacting those most vulnerable in our community. Ageing is associated with reduced resilience to extrinsic stressors and increased morbidity in the context of extreme temperatures. We undertook a local audit to determine whether extreme temperature events were associated with emergency department presentations at our tertiary referral hospital, over a 10-year period.

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About the presenters

Dr Amber Mills is the Policy and Research Manager at the Australian Association of Gerontology (AAG). As the peak national body linking researchers and professionals who work across the multidisciplinary fields ageing, Amber works with AAG members to promote evidence-based policy and practice reforms to improve the experience of ageing. Amber has held research and project management roles in acute health, community nursing and more recently in community service settings. She completed her PhD in Developmental Psychology at the University of Sydney and subsequently developed research and policy interests in access to health, aged care, and disability services. Her research interests include end-of-life care, delirium screening, frailty interventions, innovative models of care and navigation of service systems.

A/Prof. Paul Yates is a Geriatrician Clinician-Researcher and is clinical lead for the Austin Health Residential InReach Service, which provides acute medical assessment and intervention for people in RACFs, including respite recipients, with experience in qualitative, audit and implementation research in the residential aged care settings