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Most low-income elderly in Hong Kong report heat distress, Greenpeace survey
Heatstroke-related hospital discharges and deaths for people 65 and older rose 16-fold from 2015 to 2024, according to Department of Health data cited by Greenpeace.
Nearly 80% of low-income elderly people surveyed in Hong Kong reported physical or mental distress during periods of extreme heat, according to a study cited by Greenpeace and reported by SCMP Economy.
The outlet said Department of Health data showed the number of hospital discharges and deaths related to heatstroke among people aged 65 and older increased 16-fold between 2015 and 2024, from four to 68, the sharpest rise among age groups.
SCMP Economy noted the survey interviewed 127 residents aged 65 and above across seven districts, finding that about 78% experienced at least one form of physical discomfort in hot weather, and 5.5% said they had been hospitalised for a heat-related illness in the previous year.
The report added that Hong Kong has faced very hot conditions this summer, with temperatures forecast to reach 33 degrees Celsius on Friday and an earlier maximum of 36.9 degrees Celsius, the highest since records began in 1884.