Impact of Climate Change on Aging and Health Costs

This technical report by Allianz Research examines the relationship between climate change, aging populations, and health expenditures in European countries. It outlines how climate change exacerbates the rising health costs associated with an aging demographic, projecting an increase in the number of individuals aged 60 and older in the EU from approximately 130 million today to 152 million by 2035. The report details the direct effects of climate change, such as increased injuries from extreme weather events and the spread of vector-borne diseases, which disproportionately affect older adults. It also discusses indirect effects, including mental health issues and obesity, which may arise from climate-related stressors. The report emphasizes the need for adaptation measures in urban planning to mitigate these impacts, suggesting that greening cities could be a more effective strategy than relying solely on air conditioning. Overall, the findings highlight the urgent need for policy interventions to address these interconnected challenges.