WHO Launches New Recommendations to Protect Older Adults from Extreme Heat

The World Health Organisation Europe has launched an updated guide for protecting the population against the harmful effects of heatwaves, with special attention given to vulnerable groups, including older adults.

The guide provides a comprehensive scientific framework for governments, presenting concrete strategies for organising protective measures against extreme temperatures. The document represents a necessary update in the context of climate change and the increasing frequency of heatwave episodes.

Older people are identified as being among those most exposed to the risks associated with extreme heat, due to their reduced thermoregulatory capacity and pre-existing medical conditions. The guide underlines the importance of specific preventive measures for this segment of the population.

The recommendations include early warning protocols, public communication strategies, and rapid intervention measures. The document also highlights the need for effective coordination between health services, local authorities, and social care organisations.

For Romania, where extreme weather events are becoming increasingly frequent, implementing these guidelines is becoming essential for protecting older adults in care homes as well as those living independently in the community.