Inequality in mortality risk of older adults between rural and urban areas exposure to temperature variations in China

This study, leveraging the panel data for 27,193 older adults from the largest and most complete Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey during 2005–2018, explored the impacts of temperature variations, such as low/high and extreme temperatures, on the mortality risk of older adults in China. Subgroup analyses were performed by place (urban and rural), sex, disease, education, income and health-risk behaviours (e.g., chronic drinking).

Non-optimal ambient temperatures have been demonstrated to negatively affect a variety of health outcomes, particularly population mortality. However, the mortality risk of older adults between rural and urban areas exposure to temperature variations remain unclear. This study demonstrates that the effects of high and low temperatures on the mortality risk of older adults in rural areas is much greater than that in urban areas, and future expected temperature increases would lead to a significant increase in excess deaths among older adults in China. These comparable findings provide key scientific evidence for policymakers in the planning of public-tailored interventions to mitigate the risks of abnormal climate, especially in rural areas.