Climate change and population ageing are two of the most significant global health challenges of our time, and their combined impacts are placing unprecedented strain on health systems. Climate change is driving more frequent and severe heatwaves, floods and droughts, worsening air pollution, and undermining livelihoods, food security, and access to care.1 Older people, particularly women, those with disabilities, and those living in poverty, are among the most vulnerable to these effects.2 At the same time, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are on the rise, disproportionately affecting older people and heightening their risk from climate-sensitive health shocks.3

Health systems and climate responses must adapt rapidly to meet these pressures by ensuring the rights and needs of older people are included. Yet older people are often invisible in climate and health policy debates, excluded from data collection, planning, and decision-making. This policy briefing offers tangible recommendations for the UK Government to lead global efforts in building climate-resilient and ageinclusive health systems.