The main findings from the surveys and focus group include

• Heatwaves were the most frequently reported event, with 55% of respondents saying they affected their health or wellbeing.
• 63% of respondents reported difficulty keeping their homes cool during heatwaves.
• 1 out of 2 respondents avoided using heating or cooling appliances due to high energy costs.
• Nearly half of respondents said heatwaves stopped them from doing basic daily tasks such as cooking or shopping.
• 20% avoided or were unable to attend healthcare appointments during extreme heat.
• Older people were often unable to leave their homes due to transport issues, illness, or pets.
• Focus group participants described heat and climate anxiety as deeply affecting their sleep, mental health, and ability to connect with others.

Key recommendations from this survey

• Provide financial assistance and practical support to adapt homes for extreme weather – such as insulation, shading, and cooling upgrades – and expand concessions and emergency utility relief to ensure older people can safely use cooling appliances during heatwaves.
• Fund accessible community and public transport options so older adults can reach cool, safe locations during extreme weather, and ensure emergency information is clear, timely, and accessible through digital and non-digital channels, with practical guidance tailored to older people.
• Invest in local mental health services and community-based peer support to help older adults cope with the emotional impacts of extreme weather and strengthen local networks of care.
• Create meaningful opportunities for older adults to share their lived experience, insights, and resourcefulness, and ensure they are actively involved in the design of climate policies and emergency responses.
• Encourage shopping centres and similar facilities to develop and implement protocols that welcome older people during heatwaves and extreme weather. This includes clear signage, accessible seating, hydration points, and staff awareness to ensure these spaces function as safe, inclusive havens.
• Encourage clubs, RSLs, and other community venues to consider how they can dedicate their spaces to support older people during extreme weather. This includes ensuring those spaces are physically accessible, comfortable, and age-friendly, and promoting them as safe places to escape the heat when needed.