Climate change poses significant risks to the elderly population in Asia, including Singapore. Older adults are particularly vulnerable to extreme weather events and environmental stressors due to their physical frailty and often limited mobility. A report by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) highlights that climate change exacerbates health issues among the elderly, such as heat stress and respiratory problems, making it imperative to integrate ageing concerns into climate resilience strategies (UNESCAP, 2022). Similarly, Helpage International emphasizes the need for age-inclusive policies in climate adaptation efforts to mitigate the adverse impacts on older adults (Helpage International, 2015).

The impact of climate change on the elderly is further compounded by socio-economic factors. Studies show that lower-income countries are more likely to underestimate future climate risks if simplistic classifications of vulnerable older communities persist (Harrington & Otto, 2023). Moreover, older adults face multiple health disorders that can compound the challenges posed by extreme weather events, such as mobility issues during evacuations and increased risks of malnutrition and dehydration during droughts (Figueiredo et al., 2023).

Given the challenges of an ageing population and climate change in the region, there is a need for more research and integrated policy approaches. Such approaches need to address three key areas:  (1) reduce the contribution of older persons to climate change (mitigation); (2) protect older persons from the impacts of climate change (adaptation/resilience); and (3) harness the potential of older persons in climate action (UNESCAP, 2022).