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. World Health Organization estimates around 43% of older people have some kind of disability, which makes them more vulnerable.
Secure income is a major issue for older people in Pakistan. A considerable portion of the elderly population is engaged in informal labour, and they may lack access to social security programs or pension schemes. 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. while the Population Welfare Council reported more than 800,000 people aged 65 and aboveaffected by the flood of 2022 in Sindh and Balochistan provinces, the UN reports declared them as the most vulnerable group of the flood affected communities.
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.
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. 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. 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.
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:
• Collection of Sex age and disability disaggregated (SADD) datato ensure inclusion of older people in the policies and programs. It is also important to collect qualitative data on barriers to 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.
• 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.
• 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 preparedness, response, and climate-resilient livelihood strategies.
• Response plan must be inclusive of older people keeping in view of their specific needs of health, nutrition, Shelter, and livelihood.
• Promote intergenerational collaboration to share knowledge, experiences, and resources for effective climate adaptation and disaster resilience.
• 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.
—Writer is a development practitioner, working for last 19 years with different international [email protected].
