4 MINUTE READ

From Luke’s Journal March 2026  |  Vol. 31  No. 1  |  God at the Bedside

The day was hot and growing hotter. Mr Charles, a delightful man in his late seventies, had rushed to attend church. His wife, Prudence, was away. Mr Charles had left home in a hurry without having eaten breakfast or drunk water. He was not carrying a water bottle. After the hour-long church service, he stood waiting on the roadside in the heat of the midday sun without the mitigating effect of a shading tree.

Dehydrated, he collapsed and friends rushed to support him. Water was found, he was placed in the recovery position under a nearby shaded area and was urged to rehydrate. He made an encouragingly quick recovery. A tragedy averted.

Later that week, Mr Charles visited me in my clinic room. We worked on ways of preventing similar high-risk scenarios associated with environmental challenges (where the elderly are recognised as more at risk).

We discussed the following strategies: to protect against the health impacts of climate change, older patients should prioritise staying cool and hydrated during extreme heat, monitoring air quality, and creating a personal emergency plan with a strong support network. 

Managing Extreme Heat

Older adults are especially susceptible to heat-related illness due to the body’s reduced ability to regulate temperature and potential implications for their medications (e.g. use of diuretics).

• Stay in a cool environment: Spend as much time as possible in air-conditioned (AC) spaces. If you do not have AC in your home, know the locations of local public centres that are cooled (e.g. libraries, senior centres, shopping malls) and have a transportation plan should temperatures rise.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water or fruit juice regularly throughout the day, even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and hot drinks.
• Dress appropriately: Wear loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing and a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors.
• Limit sun exposure and exertion: Minimise time outdoors between 11am and 3pm., the hottest part of the day, and avoid strenuous activity.
• Cool down: Take cool showers or baths or use a damp cloth to cool your skin.
• Monitor indoor temperatures: Check the temperature of main living areas, especially bedrooms, to ensure they are safe.
• Be alert for symptoms: Watch for signs of heat exhaustion or heatstroke, such as dizziness, nausea, confusion, or heavy sweating. Seek medical help immediately if they occur. 

Addressing Air Quality and Other Environmental Shifts

Climate change contributes to both worsened air quality (e.g. from heat-related pollution, wildfires) and the spread of vector-borne diseases.

• Monitor air quality: Check the daily Air Quality Index via phone apps or local news.
• Stay indoors when necessary: On days with poor air quality or high pollen counts, stay inside with windows and doors closed, using portable air filters if available.
• Use protection if going out: If outdoor trips are necessary during bad air quality days, wearing an N95 mask can offer protection.
• Prevent insect bites: Use insect repellent and wear protective clothing to help avoid bites from disease-carrying ticks and mosquitoes. Check your home for potential mosquito breeding sites (e.g., stagnant water).
• Practice food safety: Store food properly to prevent spoilage, as warmer temperatures increase the risk of food-borne illness. 

General Preparedness and Community Support

1. Create an emergency plan: Develop a personal emergency plan and kit that includes adequate supplies of food, water, and all necessary medications and medical equipment.
2. Establish a support network: Set up a network with family, friends, and neighbours who can check in on you regularly, especially during extreme weather events.
3. Stay informed: Pay attention to local weather forecasts and severe weather alerts.
4. Maintain social connections: Social support is vital for mental and physical well-being, especially during and after a climate-related disaster. 
5. Keep emergency contact devices charged and readily available to call for help.

Discuss with your doctor

Discuss your vulnerability and any existing conditions or medications with your healthcare provider to ensure your care plan is adapted to climate risks.

Your doctor can provide personalised advice on staying safe and healthy as the climate changes.  In the United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing 2021-2030, let’s ensure that we provide the very best care to our highly valued older patients.

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1. National Centre for Equitable Care for Elders. (2025, April). The impact of extreme weather on older adult patients: Considerations for preparedness [Issue brief]. https://ece.hsdm.harvard.edu/sites/g/files/omnuum4891/files/2025 04/NCECE%20Extreme%20Weather%20Pub%20April%202025.pdf Retrieved 29/12/2025
   
2. United Nations General Assembly. (2020). United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021-2030) (Resolution No. A/RES/75/131). https://digitallibrary.un.org/record/3895802  Retrieved 29/12/2025.