Climate Shocks and Noncommunicable Diseases Among Older People in India

Arpita Khanna, Minhaj Mahmud and Nidhiya Menon
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Arpita Khanna: National University of Singapore
Nidhiya Menon: Brandeis University

No 834, ADB Economics Working Paper Series from Asian Development Bank

Abstract: This study empirically investigates the impact of climate change on the incidence of noncommunicable diseases among older population in India. Using demographic and health surveys from 2019–2021 linked with georeferenced meteorological data at local levels, and a specification that controls for long-term local climate trends as well as individual and household characteristics, we show that unanticipated heat shocks have significant impacts on the prevalence of hypertension, high blood glucose levels, and overweight or obese status. The impact of heat shock on hypertension is somewhat more evident among urban, lower caste, and lower educated men, while the impact on glucose levels is more pronounced among the higher educated in urban settings. Body mass index is particularly sensitive to heat shocks in older rural women and individuals with higher education. Engagement in occupations more exposed to outdoor work (agriculture/manual) and lifestyle factors tied to wealth status are some explanatory mechanisms.

Keywords: climate; temperature; older people; blood pressure; glucose level; BMI; India (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I12 J14 O13 Q54 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 47
Date: 2026-01-26
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-sea
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