Perceptions of heatwave risks to health: interview-based study of older people in London and Norwich, UK.
BACKGROUND
Most projections of climate change suggest an increased frequency of heatwaves in England over coming decades; older people are at particular risk. This could result in substantial mortality and morbidity.


OBJECTIVE
To determine elderly people's knowledge and perceptions of heat-related risks to health, and of protective behaviours.


METHODS
Semi-structured interviews: 73 men and women, 72-94 years, living in their own homes in London and Norwich, UK.


RESULTS
Few respondents considered themselves either old or at risk from the effects of heat, even though many had some form of relevant chronic illness; they did recognize that some medical conditions might increase risks in others. Most reported that they had taken appropriate steps to reduce the effects of heat. Some respondents considered it appropriate for the government to take responsibility for protecting vulnerable people, but many thought state intervention was unnecessary, intrusive and unlikely to be effective. Respondents were more positive about the value of appropriately disseminated advice and solutions by communities themselves.


CONCLUSIONS
The Heatwave Plan should consider giving greater emphasis to a population-based information strategy, using innovative information dissemination methods to increase awareness of vulnerability to heat among the elderly and to ensure clarity about behaviour modification measures.
Abrahamson
Vanessa
V
Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London WC1E 6BT, UK. v.abrahamson@ucl.ac.uk
Wolf
Johanna
J
Lorenzoni
Irene
I
Fenn
Bridget
B
Kovats
Sari
S
Wilkinson
Paul
P
Adger
W Neil
WN
Raine
Rosalind
R
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006358:Hot Temperature / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008131:London; D008297:Male; D018570:Risk Assessment; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior; D006113:United Kingdom