Americans are succumbing to the cold at alarmingly higher rates than in years past, with deaths linked to cold temperatures more than doubling since 1999.
A new study published in the JAMA Network on December 19 sheds light on this concerning trend, especially for older adults.
From 1999 to 2022, 40,079 deaths in the United States were attributed to cold temperatures, either as an underlying or contributing factor.
The research, led by experts from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, utilized death certificate data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to reveal a steady rise in fatalities.
The cold-related death rate increased from 0.44 per 100,000 people in 1999 to 0.92 per 100,000 people in 2022, underscoring a grim upward trajectory.
Older adults, particularly those aged 75 and above, bear the brunt of these fatalities. With age comes a diminished ability to regulate body temperature, coupled with a higher prevalence of chronic health conditions, making seniors particularly vulnerable during colder months.
While the elderly account for the majority of deaths, middle-aged Americans are seeing the fastest rise in cold-related fatalities. Additionally, men are disproportionately affected compared to women.
The study also highlights notable disparities among racial and ethnic groups. American Indian, Alaska Native, and black populations consistently face the highest rates of cold-related deaths. However, the sharpest increases in mortality over the study period were observed among Hispanic and white populations.
Structural challenges, including insufficient home insulation and heating, contribute to these disparities. The U.S. Department of Energy reported that 36.4 percent of black households faced energy insecurity from July 2021 to May 2023, leaving many more exposed to the dangers of extreme cold.
The increase in cold-related deaths can also be linked to broader societal issues. Michael Liu, a Harvard Medical School student and the study’s first author, points to rising rates of social isolation and homelessness as significant contributors. As housing insecurity grows, so does the risk of cold exposure, particularly for those without access to adequate shelter.
The findings come with a stark warning: deaths due to cold may continue to rise. Climate change, often associated with warming temperatures, is paradoxically linked to more extreme winter weather events. As the population ages, the proportion of people vulnerable to the cold is also expected to increase, raising concerns about the future.
“We need to address both social and structural risk factors to prevent these deaths,” Liu emphasized. He urged action to improve insulation and heating in homes and address the root causes of social isolation and homelessness.
For American seniors, the data serves as a critical reminder of the need to stay warm and safe during the colder months. Simple steps like ensuring your home is properly insulated, using reliable heating sources, and staying connected with family and friends can help mitigate risks.
For policymakers, the findings highlight an urgent need for interventions that protect the most vulnerable populations from preventable cold-related fatalities.