Objective To explore the influencing factors of the heat adaptive behavior of the elderly based on the model of private proactive adaptation to climate change.

Methods A survey of heat adaptive behavior was conducted among 650 older adults in Guangzhou from June to September 2024. AMOS 26.0 was used to establish a model of the influence on heat adaptive behavior in older adults for analysis of the factors affecting heat adaptive behavior.

Results A total of 608 valid questionnaires were collected. The fitting index of the model of the influence on heat adaptive behavior of older adults was better than the qualified standard, indicating a good degree of fitting. The results of structural equation modeling test showed that risk experience (β = 0.136, P < 0.001) and social discourse (β = 0.309, P < 0.001) had positive effects on risk perception. Risk perception had a negative effect on maladaptation (β = −0.234, P < 0.01) and a positive effect on adaptive behavior (β = 0.327, P < 0.001). Maladaptation had a negative effect on adaptive behavior (β = −0.103, P < 0.001). Risk perception mediates the effects of risk experience and social discourse on adaptive behavior, with the mediation effect values of 0.045 and 0.101, respectively. The chain mediation between risk perception and maladaptation mediates the effects of risk experience and social discourse on adaptive behavior, with the mediation effect values of 0.003 and 0.007, respectively.

Conclusions Improving older adults′ awareness of heat risks can lead to more active adoption of heat adaptive behavior, which can thus effectively reduce their vulnerability to the adverse effects of heat and ultimately reduce the heat-related health burden.