Abstract
The population of older people is increasing at a rapid rate, with those 80 years and older set to triple by 2050. This systematic review aimed to examine older people’s perceptions and behaviours against existing heatwaves prevention measures and systematically categorize and analyse those measures using the Ottawa charter for health promotion framework. Peer-reviewed published literature between 22nd September 2006 and 24th April 2018 was retrieved, according to the PRISMA guidelines, from five different databases. Eighteen articles were finally included. There is a lack of published studies from developing countries. Results were categorized and analysed using the Ottawa charter five action areas. Mitigation strategies from current heat action plans are discussed and gaps are highlighted. A lack of systematic evaluation of heat action plans efficacy was identified. Older people are not demonstrating all recommended preventative measures during heatwaves. Support personnel and health professionals are not being pro-active enough in facilitating prevention of adverse effects from heatwaves. Governments are beginning to implement policy changes, but other recommended support measures outlined in the Ottawa charter are still lacking, and hence require further action. Linkage between specific components of heat action plans and outcomes cannot be ascertained; therefore, more systematic evaluation is needed.
Highlights
The intergovernmental panel on climate change [IPCC] has reported with medium to high confidence that longer lasting and more intense increases in ambient temperature or heatwaves will continue to cause adverse impacts on human health across the globe [1]
While the detrimental impacts of climate change continue to transcend the trajectory of time, natural ecosystems and human species have limited capacity to adapt to such changes [2]
One study examined nursing home residents only [31]; one study did not fulfil the minimum age limit of 65 [32]; one article discussed heat susceptibility and health promotion in general but did not conduct any studies or evaluation [33]; one study discussed health promotion but not related to heat health [34]; three studies assessed mortality/morbidity rates related to heat but not against any components of heat action plans [35,36,37]; five articles were not assessing heat health and/or older people [38,39,40,41,42]—all twelve were excluded
Summary
The intergovernmental panel on climate change [IPCC] has reported with medium to high confidence that longer lasting and more intense increases in ambient temperature or heatwaves will continue to cause adverse impacts on human health across the globe [1]. As a consequence of human-induced climate change are widely acknowledged amongst the scientific community as a real and present threat to human health [1]. While the detrimental impacts of climate change continue to transcend the trajectory of time, natural ecosystems and human species have limited capacity to adapt to such changes [2]. Increasing morbidity and mortality from extreme temperatures is becoming a major public health concern for communities worldwide, especially amongst vulnerable groups [9]. Res. Public Health 2019, 16, 4370; doi:10.3390/ijerph16224370 www.mdpi.com/journal/ijerph
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