Challenge
Protecting Older People from Urban Heat Risks
Applied Ethics Strategies:
Speaking to an Existing TruthIntroduction
In an inland city where nearly one in six residents are over the age of 65, extreme heat due to climate change has become a growing public health risk. Older people living alone on fixed incomes, or in poorly insulated housing, face heightened risks during prolonged heatwaves. Yet city initiatives—such as public cooling centers and emergency alerts— fail to reach or resonate with this population. Many of the older people in the city distrust digital communication platforms or perceive public resources as inaccessible or irrelevant to their needs. In response, a local aging services NGO has been invited to help strengthen the city’s heat resilience strategy with a focus on older adults.
How could applied ethics address this challenge?
The nonprofit retools the city’s messaging around extreme heat to reflect relevant health facts that resonate with the older population. Rather than relying on digital alerts or technical language, they use familiar and trusted channels: printed flyers at pharmacies, announcements through local radio stations, and direct communication from senior center staff and faith leaders. Messaging emphasizes practical, non-stigmatizing actions—like “keeping cool to stay independent” and “checking on a neighbor as a sign of strength.” By emphasizing health facts and aligning communication methods with older peoples’ daily routines, the city sees increased attendance at cooling centers, more peer-to-peer support during heatwaves, and broader acceptance of resilience planning among older residents.
Questions to consider
Are the communication channels being used truly accessible to all segments of the older population, including those who are socially isolated or have disabilities?
Have the generational differences that shape how older people perceive risk, public services, or climate change messaging been accounted for adequately?
What implementation challenges are you aware of where applied ethics strategies could help?
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