Severe weather events have long-term health consequences for vulnerable older adults, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.

After analyzing Medicare fee-for-service claims data for nearly 1.8 million beneficiaries aged over 65 in Texas and Louisiana, researchers found that older adults who experienced heavy rainfall during Hurricane Harvey had a 3% higher risk of death within one year after the hurricane.

The risk of mortality was highest among individuals with chronic conditions requiring regular care, including chronic kidney disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and related dementias. The greatest number of deaths was recorded among people with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias: an estimated 1,245 individuals died in the year following Hurricane Harvey.

In addition, mortality risk among Black individuals and Hispanic/Latino populations was 6% and 13% higher, respectively, compared with other groups, highlighting disparities in vulnerability to natural disasters.