AGE DISPARITIES IN EXPOSURE TO HEAT WAVES, EXTREME WEATHER, AND WILDFIRES IN A NATIONAL UNITED STATES SAMPLE
2024

Age Disparities in Exposure to Climate Events

Sample size: 10282 publication Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Roger Wong

Primary Institution: State University of New York Upstate Medical University

Hypothesis

Are older adults less exposed to climate events like heat waves, extreme weather, and wildfires compared to younger adults?

Conclusion

Older adults are less likely to be exposed to climate events such as heat waves, extreme weather, and wildfires despite being more vulnerable to their impacts.

Supporting Evidence

  • Adults aged 65+ had 42% lower odds of exposure to heat waves compared to adults aged 18-29.
  • Adults aged 65+ had 44% lower odds of exposure to extreme weather compared to adults aged 18-29.
  • Adults aged 65+ had 45% lower odds of exposure to wildfires compared to adults aged 18-29.

Takeaway

This study found that older people are less exposed to things like heat waves and wildfires than younger people, even though they might be more affected by them.

Methodology

Analyzed data from the 2022 American Trends Panel using multiple logistic regression.

Limitations

The study does not explore why older adults have lower exposure to climate events.

Participant Demographics

Nationally representative sample of U.S. adults aged 18 and older.

Statistical Information

P-Value

<.001

Confidence Interval

95% CI=0.45-0.76

Statistical Significance

p<0.001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.0759

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication