Climate change and the health of older adults in Europe: a call for a geriatric climate medicine framework

Purpose

Climate change is a critical determinant of health that disproportionately affects older adults. This review synthesises recent evidence on climate-related health risks in older Europeans and proposes a geriatric climate medicine framework to guide clinical practice, health system preparedness and policy action.

Methods

Narrative review of scientific literature and policy documents published between 2019 and 2025, with emphasis on European epidemiological data and adaptation frameworks. Studies were included if they reported health impacts or adaptation/mitigation strategies relevant to adults aged ≥ 65 years.

Results

Heatwaves, chronic and acute exposure to air pollutants, flooding and the expanding range of climate-sensitive infectious diseases increase hospitalisation, cognitive decline, and mortality in older adults, especially in women, those aged ≥ 80 years, and individuals with comorbidities or frailty. These risks remain insufficiently addressed in geriatric clinical practice and health policy.

Conclusions

In a Europe warming at twice the global rate, urgent integration of climate risk assessment into geriatric care, enhanced resilience of health and social care infrastructure and climate policies that prioritise older adults are essential to reduce inequities and improve health outcomes.