THE NUMBER of people exposed to extreme heat is growing exponentially across the world because of climate change while heat-related deaths increase and have been a particular challenge for older people.

“Heat stress is a leading cause of weather-related deaths and can exacerbate underlying illnesses, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, mental health, asthma, and can increase the risk of accidents and transmission of some infectious diseases. Heatstroke is a medical emergency with a high-case fatality rate,” revealed an April 2026 World Health Organisation (WHO) fact sheet.

“Population ageing and the growing prevalence of non-communicable diseases (respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, dementia, renal disease and musculoskeletal disease) means that populations are becoming more susceptible to negative heat impacts,” it noted.