By Syed Moeez KakaKhel
As the world grapples with the consequences of climate change, certain vulnerable groups often bear a disproportionate burden of its effects. Among these groups, older people are particularly susceptible to the adverse impacts of shifting weather patterns, extreme events, and changing ecosystems. In Pakistan, a country already grappling with a multitude of socio-economic challenges, the impact of climate change on its ageing population is an emerging concern that demands urgent attention.
Pakistan is the fifth most populous country in the world with more than 14 million older people. Pakistan is experiencing a demographic shift towards an ageing population. According to the Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey (PDHS) 2017-18, the percentage of individuals aged 60 and above in the country was approximately 6.6%. The United Nations projects that the proportion of Pakistan’s population aged 60 and above will increase to around 15% by 2050, signifying a significant rise in the elderly population.
Older people in Pakistan are distributed unevenly between urban and rural areas. Urban areas often have better access to healthcare facilities and services compared to rural regions. Many older individuals in Pakistan suffer from various health issues. According to the Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey (PDHS) 2017-18, around 49% of older men and 54% of older women reported having at least one chronic health condition. According to World Health Organization estimates around 43% of older people have some kind of disability, which makes them more vulnerable.
Older people in Pakistan often face economic challenges. A considerable portion of the elderly population is engaged in informal labour, and they may lack access to social security programs or pension schemes.
Illiteracy rates among older individuals can hinder their ability to access information, communicate effectively, and engage with modern technology and services.
Traditionally, older people in Pakistan have relied on family support. However, urbanization, migration, and changing family dynamics can sometimes lead to reduced family care and increased social isolation.
Older people in Pakistan, especially those living in poverty, are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Heatwaves, water scarcity, and extreme weather events disproportionately affect their health and well-being. The Population Welfare Council reported more than 800,000 people aged 65 and above were affected by the flood of 2022 in Sindh and Balochistan provinces. The UN reported older people as the most vulnerable groups during these floods.
Chronic health conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, respiratory issues, and diabetes, which are prevalent in older populations, can worsen under extreme weather conditions, leading to a higher mortality rate during heat waves or cold spells. Climate change can also lead to the spread of diseases such as vector-borne diseases (e.g., malaria and dengue) and waterborne diseases (e.g., cholera). Older people and those with disabilities may have compromised immune systems or difficulty accessing healthcare, putting them at greater risk of illness.
One of the most immediate threats posed by climate change in Pakistan is the intensification of heat waves. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, the frequency and intensity of heatwaves have increased over the past few decades. Heatwaves can pose a serious risk to the health and well-being of older individuals. Physiological changes associated with aging make them more susceptible to heat-related illnesses, such as heatstroke and heat exhaustion, as they may have decreased thermoregulatory abilities and underlying health conditions. Many older individuals in Pakistan live in inadequate housing conditions, lacking proper ventilation and insulation, and limited access to cooling facilities which makes them more vulnerable to extreme temperatures.
Climate change also disrupts water availability, a critical factor for the well-being of older people. As rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns lead to water scarcity, older individuals may face difficulties in accessing safe and clean drinking water. This not only affects hydration but also impacts sanitation and hygiene, leading to increased vulnerability to waterborne diseases.
Climate change-induced events, such as floods, storms, and droughts, can lead to displacement. Older people with disabilities may face challenges in evacuating to safer areas. Lack of accessible transportation, evacuation plans, and shelters that accommodate disabilities can increase their vulnerability during disasters. Older people who are forced to migrate due to these events often face challenges in adapting to new environments, accessing healthcare, and rebuilding their lives. This can have significant mental health implications, including increased stress, anxiety, and depression, which are particularly pronounced in older individuals already dealing with the challenges of aging.
In Pakistan, where the cultural norm of respecting and caring for elders is strong, older people are usually an integral part of family structures. However, the impacts of climate change can strain these familial ties. When households are affected by climate-related disasters, resources that were previously available for the care of older family members might be redirected towards recovery efforts. This can lead to increased social isolation, inadequate care, and neglect of the elderly.
Climate-related disasters can disrupt livelihoods, particularly for vulnerable populations. Older individuals with disabilities may have limited income and resources, making it harder to recover from the economic impacts of climate change. During a HelpAge assessment it was found most of the small livestock like sheep and goats were killed in the flood, which was the only source of income of the older people in Balochistan.
Addressing the impact of climate change on older people in Pakistan requires a comprehensive and multifaceted approach that considers their specific vulnerabilities and needs and combines climate adaptation strategies with elderly-friendly policies. Some key considerations include:
- Data Collection and Research:
- Lack of Sex age and disability disaggregated (SADD) data exclude older people and those with disabilities from the policies and programs. Most of the organisations and researchers are collecting gender-based data only. It is important to collect SADD data and identify the vulnerabilities and needs of older people in the context of climate change.
- This has also been evident that the organizations are not collecting qualitative data on barriers to the inclusion of older people and persons with disabilities that contribute to their exclusion. Researchers must investigate the specific impacts of climate change on older individuals and inform evidence-based policies.
- Empowerment and Participation:
- Older people are excluded from the discussions and consultations around climate change. It is important that the active participation of older people, including those with disabilities, is ensured in policy discussions, consultations, and decision-making processes related to climate change and disaster management.
- Inclusive Climate Adaptation and Mitigation Strategies:
- It is important to Integrate the perspectives and experiences of older people into climate policies and strategies. We must develop age-sensitive climate adaptation plans that account for the unique vulnerabilities of older individuals and ensure the inclusion of older people in disaster risk reduction and emergency response plans.
- Early Warning Systems and Communication:
- The early warning systems must be age-friendly and consider the communication preferences and limitations of older people.
- It must be ensured that climate-related alerts are disseminated through multiple channels, including radio, community networks, and mobile phones.
- Capacity Building and Training:
- We must promote older people and persons with disability-inclusive community-based organizations and decision-making processes related to climate change adaptation. Older people must be considered for training on disaster preparedness, response, and climate-resilient livelihood strategies.
- Healthcare and Support Systems:
- Ensuring that healthcare systems are equipped to handle the health needs of older people.
- Establish mobile healthcare units to reach older people in remote and vulnerable areas during the disaster response.
- Provide training for healthcare professionals to address the specific health needs of older people during disaster response.
- Social Protection:
- Social protection programs must be designed that specifically target older people, providing financial assistance, food support, and access to essential services.
- Implement cash transfer programs that support older people’s ability to cope with climate-related shocks and stresses.
- Infrastructure and Shelter:
- Design and upgrade shelters to be age-friendly and accessible, considering the mobility challenges of older people.
- Retrofit infrastructure to withstand climate-related events and ensure older people’s safety.
- Education and Awareness:
- Conduct awareness campaigns on climate change impacts and adaptation strategies tailored to older people’s comprehension levels.
- Include older people in educational initiatives to enhance their understanding of climate-related risks and coping mechanisms.
- Intergenerational Collaboration:
- Promote intergenerational collaboration to share knowledge, experiences, and resources for effective climate adaptation and disaster resilience.
- Partnerships and Coordination:
- Foster collaboration between government agencies, international and national NGOs, civil society organizations, and academia to collectively address the challenges faced by older people in the context of climate change.
The effectiveness of these recommendations will depend on their adaptation to local contexts and the active involvement of older individuals and their communities in the planning and implementation processes.
