Heat exposure and physical-mental health outcomes among older adults in India: Findings from the Longitudinal Aging Study (LASI) Wave-I

Priya Rajagopalan and Sijiu Wang

PLOS Climate, 2026, vol. 5, issue 2, 1-11

Abstract: As climate change exacerbates heatwaves, the health risks for vulnerable populations, particularly older adults, are intensifying. This study examines the relationship between heat exposure and health outcomes among older adults in India, with a focus on the potential moderating roles of socio-demographic factors. We analyzed data from the Longitudinal Aging Study of India-Wave I and climate data from NOAA to assess the association between severe heat exposure and health outcomes. Outcomes included self-reported health, mental health, and outpatient service utilization. We used propensity score matching and regression analysis, including ordered probit models and logistic regressions with robust standard errors, to examine the moderating effects of socioeconomic and environmental factors. Heat exposure was associated with poorer self-reported health (β = -0·17, p

Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:plo:pclm00:0000762

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pclm.0000762

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