Blogs

  • The Heat Is On: How Older Adults Are Affected by Climate Change
    5/30/25
    As the planet gets hotter due to climate change, older adults are facing more serious health risks. As people age, their bodies struggle to stay cool in extreme heat, which makes them more vulnerable to heat-related problems like dehydration, heatstroke, and even death. Many older adults also deal with health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and cognitive issues, which can make them even more sensitive to high temperatures. For example, heart disease symptoms can get worse during heat waves because the heat puts extra stress on the heart, while diabetes can cause issues with hydration. Studies have already shown that the number of heat-related deaths among adults over 65 years has increased, and it’s predicted that this will keep rising as global temperatures go up. As climate change continues, these risks will only grow, making it essential to pay attention to the needs of older adults.
  • Supporting Elderly Mental Health During Winters & Disasters
    5/29/25
    Following last week’s look at how harsh winters and disasters like flooding affect elderly mental health, this week we shift our focus to supporting the seniors, examining how limited mobility, isolation, and lack of sunlight can deeply impact emotional well-being. This is particularly important in Buffalo, where long, overcast winters and extreme weather can make seniors especially vulnerable, not only to physical health conditions like heart strain and limited mobility, but also to the mental health challenges associated with seasonal affective disorder, increased isolation, and the compounded stress of flooding risks as spring approaches.
  • Weather and Mental Health: How Winter & Disasters Affect the Elderly
    5/29/25
    Winter can greatly affect mental health among the elderly, especially in areas with extended numbers of gray days, like the Great Lakes, where overcast conditions can last up to 60% of the winter. This lack of sunlight contributes to sadness, depression, and an increased risk of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which affects around 6% of the general U.S. population. Seniors are particularly vulnerable. Last week, we discussed how Buffalo’s freezing winters strain elderly hearts; this week, we look at how cold also limits mobility, increasing isolation, and harming overall health. To protect seniors, it’s crucial to focus not only on keeping them warm but also on ensuring they stay socially connected and safely active. In states like New York, Michigan, and Minnesota, harsh winters exacerbate these risks, with reduced movement causing fatigue and worsening conditions like arthritis.
  • How to Protect Buffalo’s Elderly from the Risks of Extreme Cold
    4/7/25

    Last week, we covered the effects of extreme cold on the elderly. Now, we will cover solutions available to tackle it. Buffalo’s freezing winters put elderly residents, especially those with heart conditions, at serious risk.

  • Buffalo’s Freezing Winters: How Extreme Cold Affects the Elderly
    4/7/25

    This week, I’m looking at how the cold in Buffalo affects older adults, especially when it comes to heart health. 

  • Introduction: Understanding Climate Change and Its Impact on Health in Buffalo
    3/13/25

    Hi, I’m Kevin Boasiako, a sophomore at the University at Buffalo studying Public Health. I’m currently conducting research with the Center for Climate Change and Environmental Health in the Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, focusing on how climate change affects different age groups, such as adults, children, and the elderly here in Buffalo.

  • Understanding the Risks Climate Change Poses to Older Adults
    3/13/25

    The world is aging, and as the population grows, older adults face unique challenges from climate change, making them especially vulnerable. 

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