H
igh-temperature days can pose a threat to human
health by either triggering acute heat-related
illnesses or by exacerbating pre-existing health
conditions (1). However, adverse health outcomes can
often be prevented by simple adaptive behaviour. The
vulnerability of communities to extreme heat can be
influenced by social characteristics and population composition,
but these factors can often be neglected when
guidelines and policies are formulated (2). With future
scenarios predicting a climate-change-driven increase
in the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, there is an
increased need for identification of vulnerable sub-groups
and evidence-based adaptation and prevention strategies
to boost resilience in those at risk (3).