6 Out of 10 Heat-Related Deaths Are Aged 80 or Older: "Intensive Protection for the Extremely Elderly"

Ministry of Health and Welfare Emphasizes Indoor Environment Inspections and Health Monitoring

With 6 out of 10 heat-related deaths stemming from those aged 80 or older—an extremely elderly demographic—the government has designated this group as a key target for focused management. Authorities will strengthen indoor environment inspections and health monitoring by leveraging the home-visit health management programs at public health centers.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare announced on the 6th that, according to emergency room surveillance data on heat-related illnesses from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, individuals aged 80 or older are at the highest risk of developing heat-related illnesses relative to their population, as well as accounting for a disproportionate share of presumed fatalities.

From May 15th to August 4th, a total of 2,441 heat-related illness cases were reported. Of these, 825 cases (33.8%) involved individuals aged 65 or older, and 300 cases (12.3%) involved those aged 80 or above. While the highest number of cases occurred among people in their 60s (450 cases), the incidence rate per 100,000 people was highest in those aged 80 or older at 12.5—higher than any other age group.

Notably, 13 out of 21 presumed heat-related deaths (61.9%) occurred among those aged 80 or older. If including individuals aged 65 or older, the total rises to 17, accounting for 80.9% of all presumed deaths.

The locations where cases occurred highlighted the specific risks for the extremely elderly. Among all heat-related illness cases, the most common occurrence was in outdoor workplaces (25.6%), followed by rice fields and other farms (13.3%), and by the roadside (12.2%). However, for those aged 80 or older, 27.7% of cases happened in rice fields, followed by roadsides (19.7%) and at home (18.0%). The proportion of cases occurring at home among this group was 18.0%—about three times higher than the 7.0% seen in all ages—indicating that heatwave responses indoors, as well as outdoors, are crucial.

Elderly individuals tend to have diminished ability to regulate body temperature and often struggle to recognize the early symptoms of heat-related illnesses themselves, resulting in rapid worsening of their condition. During heatwaves, they are advised to avoid working in fields, greenhouses, or prolonged outdoor activities during the hottest hours of the day, and to drink water frequently, even if not thirsty. Maintaining a cool indoor environment by using air conditioning is also essential. For seniors living alone or with limited mobility, family members, neighbors, or home care aides should routinely check their health condition, indoor temperature, and whether air conditioning is working properly.

Accordingly, the Ministry of Health and Welfare will use the nationwide information and communications technology (ICT)-integrated home-visit health management services at public health centers to enhance protection for those aged 80 or older. Visiting nurses and health management staff will check health conditions through home visits and phone consultations and provide heatwave stage-specific warning texts and behavioral guidelines via the "Today Health" app. They will also offer services such as connecting with caregivers and medical institutions, inspecting air-conditioned environments, and guiding individuals to local cooling centers.

From July 13 to August 4, 126,890 heatwave warning texts were sent via the "Today Health" app. Of 176,514 home visits conducted by health management nurses during this period, 128,283 visits (72.7%) were dedicated to heatwave response activities, including checking cooling conditions and distributing preventive supplies. There were also cases where elderly individuals who reported dizziness during phone consultations were visited urgently, or the safety of seniors living alone and unreachable by phone was checked.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency stated, "Given the ongoing heatwave and tropical nights, people aged 80 or older have the highest incidence of heat-related illness and also account for the largest proportion of deaths relative to their population. Heightened protection is therefore essential. Efforts to prevent heat-related illness should be made both outdoors and indoors, and we urge families and neighbors to frequently check the health and indoor environment of elderly individuals."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.