Heat waves are especially risky for older adults

+ the emotional roller coaster of pet ownership US Edition - Today's top story: Heat waves can be deadly for older adults: An aging global population and rising temperatures mean millions are at risk [View in browser]( US Edition | 22 May 2024 [The Conversation] [The Conversation]( Top headlines - [Ancient manuscript illuminating early Christianity goes to auction]( - [In battleground states, small shifts mean a lot]( - [Can Kenya-led UN mission stem Haiti’s spiraling chaos?]( Lead story Texas and parts of the U.S. Southeast have been roasting under a heat dome this week, with temperatures in the high 90s and 100s. In the Houston area, thousands of people have faced the heat without air conditioning for days after storms knocked out power across the region. In Mexico and Central America, the temperatures have been even higher. Excessive heat like this can be dangerous for anyone, but it’s especially risky for older adults, as environmental scientists Deborah Carr, Ian Sue Wing, Enrica De Cian and Giacomo Falchetta explain. As the world population ages and global temperatures rise, millions more lives will be at risk of heat illness in countries around the world. Even in wealthier regions, [older adults are increasingly exposed to dangerous heat](, often without realizing the risks or knowing the warning signs to watch for. One last thing: If you value The Conversation’s international coverage, we think you’ll also like the DailyChatter. This daily newsletter covers more than 150 countries by highlighting trusted sources like The Conversation from around the world. Subscribe today and [get the world in your inbox tomorrow](. Stacy Morford Environment + Climate Editor Older adults face health risks from high heat for many reasons, including medications. AP Photo/Manu Fernandez [Heat waves can be deadly for older adults: An aging global population and rising temperatures mean millions are at risk]( Deborah Carr, Boston University; Enrica De Cian, Ca' Foscari University of Venice; Giacomo Falchetta, Ca' Foscari University of Venice; Ian Sue Wing, Boston University Older adults face greater health risks from extreme heat for several reasons. Communities can save lives by starting to make changes now. Health + Medicine - [Pets give companionship, cuddles and joy – and also unavoidable stresses]( Emily Hemendinger, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Pets often become an integral part of the family system, and some people say their bond to their pet is akin to that of a human child. - [More military veterans and active duty service members are dying by suicide than in battle – understanding why can help with prevention]( April Smith, Auburn University Suicide among military service members in the US is a growing problem. 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