Mortality, morbidity and healthcare costs of short-term high temperatures and heatwaves exposure in older populations: a global systematic review and meta-analysis
Abstract
Background: Exposure to heat extremes is associated with higher rates of mortality, morbidity and healthcare costs. In the context of population ageing and climate change, which is expected to make extreme heat events more intense, frequent, prolonged, and widespread, understanding their health impacts on older adults is crucial for informing targeted interventions.
Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL, and AgeLine for studies published between January 1, 1990, and March 15, 2025.Original research articles assessing morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs among older adults during periods of high temperatures or heatwaves were included.Eligible studies used observational designs, such as time series, case-crossover, or case time-series, comparing risks across different exposures or time periods. Reviews, commentaries, grey literature, animal studies, and studies not focused on temperature as the primary exposure were excluded. Risk estimates were extracted from published studies. A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted to pool relative risks of morbidity and mortality, focusing on specific disease categories according to ICD-10 codes, climate zones, and demographic factors. The certainty and strength of the evidence were assessed following the Navigation Guide systematic review methodology framework. The study protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023423311).
Results: Out of 21,610 identified…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid.
Read the paper
Related studies
- Understanding the factors influencing fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda J.E. Smith) damage in African smallholder maize fields and quantifying its impact on yield. A case study in Eastern Zimbabwe
- Alarming situation of emerging H5 and H7 avian influenza and effective control strategies
- Livestock and food security: vulnerability to population growth and climate change
- Atmosphere–ocean oxygen and productivity dynamics during early animal radiations
- Characterization of the global distribution and diversified plasmid reservoirs of the colistin resistance gene mcr-9
- The global seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in pigs: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.