Heatwave resilience in Buenos Aires: Translational research and co-created strategies for public policy benefiting older adults across diverse urban settings

Introduction

Climate change has intensified heatwaves in Buenos Aires (CABA), leading to significant public health impacts, particularly among vulnerable older adults. This study aimed to generate actionable information to enhance older adults' adaptive and response capacities to heatwaves in the city.

Materials and Methods

This transdisciplinary translational study (January-June 2024) employed a mixed-methods approach. Data collection involved 634 surveys, 4 focus groups, 4 questionnaires, and policy/actor mapping. Surveys, conducted at randomized CABA sampling points, were weighted by the 2022 Census to ensure representativeness across formal and vulnerable city sectors, considering region, age, and gender. Geographical Information System mapping integrated urban settlement types, green spaces, temperature, power outages, and older adult density. A problem prioritization methodology across three intersectoral management board meetings facilitated strategy development.

Results

The identified needs, vulnerabilities, and coping mechanisms, integrated with stakeholder mapping, led to the formulation of 18 feasible initial strategies by an operational interinstitutional working group. These strategies include managing hydration points, expanding the climate shelter network, empowering older adult environmental promoters, increasing field worker engagement, and reinforcing safe water distribution in vulnerable neighborhoods, especially during power outages.The created maps allowed us to pinpoint priority areas for future interventions.

Conclusions

This research contributes valuable knowledge by identifying the targeted population's actual needs, thereby supporting evidence-based decision-making. The designed strategies hold potential to enhance older adults' adaptive capacities against heatwaves. The methodology employed in this study, particularly the transdisciplinary approach and integrated knowledge co-creation, offers a valuable model for future climate adaptation research within urban public administrations.