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3: Concern for future generations
Source publication
Global ageing and environmental change bring together two key policy challenges which need to be addressed to ensure a safe, secure, equitable and sustainable future. Growing old in the twenty-first century will bring with it the unique challenge of a changing global environment with variable climate
and weather patterns which will impact on all as...
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Citations
... This finding is in line with the relatively low number of respondents from twenty-four countries who were not very much concerned about the impact of climate change on their health (14% of the total of 1,100 individuals) [93]. Akerlof et al. [94] believed that there was little research on public perception of the human health impacts and risks associated with climate change. ...
... The need to become more aware of the connections between climate change and health is justified by the scientific evidence [95] that has shown that the impact of climate change has immediate and long-term indirect effects on public health. A study by Haq et al. [93] suggest that a warmer climate may mostly affect those suffering from cardiac diseases. In comparison, colder weather may cause an increase in the prevalence of coughs/colds, headaches, or asthma. ...
Background
The study of climate change through a generational lens is meaningful when one considers the distinct attitudes, behaviors, values, and motivations of each generation. Individuals born between 1980 and 1999, referred to as the Millennial Generation (Millennials) and individuals born up to five years before or after 2000, referred to as Generation Z (Gen Z), may differ widely in their views, values, attitudes, and behaviors. This may lead to conflicts between these two cohorts. As Gen Z enters the labor market, their first-level supervisors will be, in many cases, the Millennials, who may view the topic of climate change-health concern nexus very differently than their Gen Z subordinates. Considering the perspectives of each generation may offer insights on how to engage them to act in an environmentally responsible way to counteract climate change effects.
Objective
The study reveals similarities and differences in how Millennials and Gen Z perceive the climate change-health concern nexus, which illuminates the understanding of the potential generational conflicts and the critical points where intervention is needed.
Method
Interview data from 41 participants were analyzed via thematic analysis using the Quirkos software program. Reporting is in accordance with the COREQ guidelines.
Results
The interview questions elicited responses related to five dimensions: (i) Views of individual and community health; (ii) Knowledge around climate change; (iii) Perceived health impact; (iv) Attitudes towards climate change; (v) Behaviors related to climate change. The findings revealed a set of commonalities and differences in understanding the climate change-health concern nexus between the participants representative of each of the generations examined. One main result is that while most interviewees perceived changes in summer and winter temperatures, they failed to articulate how climate change affected their health.
Conclusion
Thematic analysis revealed that the commonalities of views outweigh the differences between the two generations. A relevant remark is that participants can be described rather as “observers” than “players” since they do not tend to see themselves (through their behavior and their contribution) as active participants in the goal to fight climate change. Consequently, both generations undergo what Stephen Gardiner [1] called “intergenerational buck-passing.”
... Although the impact of climate change is expected to affect people most in poorer developing countries, it is also affecting those who live in more economically developed countries (Franzen & Vogl, 2013;Haq, Snell, Gutman & Brown, 2013). For example, climate-sensitive diseases are moving northward and climate change is speeding up the rate of air pollution in Canada (Warren & Lemmen, 2014). ...
... Yet, despite the fact that they are among those most vulnerable to such events, older adults may also hold the potential for addressing some of the human-related causes of climate change through environmental stewardship (Haq et al., 2013;Pillemer Fuller-Rowell, Reid & Wells, 2010). For example, organized volunteerism is an activity that has been found to be both meaningful and to contribute to the well-being of those who engage in it (Bushway et al., 2011;Wigdor & Foot, 1988). ...
... Unfortunately, studies of the connection between aging and environmental change has been absent from the sustainable development agenda, and there have been few research studies undertaken to address this gap in knowledge (Haq et al., 2013;Pillemer & Filiberto, 2017). Moreover, the topic of 'environment' in the gerontology literature has primarily emphasized human-designed space, including a focus on creating and enhancing the residential environments of older populations rather than exploring issues associated with aging and the natural environment (Wright & Lund, 2000). ...
Older adults are among those at greatest risk for suffering the negative effects of climate change. Yet their attitudes and practices associated with the natural environment have not often been explored. Within the framework of the Theory of Planned Behaviour, this paper reports on a mixed methods study of the attitudes and practices of older adults who are concerned about the environment. Results suggest that attitudes, the influence of others and a sense of control shape voluntary stewardship in older adults in both small and intensive ways – highlighting the need to expand existing definitions of eco-volunteerism. Activities include recycling, composting, protesting, purchasing local food and products, using land sustainably and engaging in advocacy. This study suggests that myths about older adults as passive victims of climate change may be erroneous, as they actively engage as volunteer stewards who work separately and together on the problems that affect our planet.
... Ageing is considered a challenge for sustainable development since the exponential growth of the older population threatens the resources that are globally available with relevant consequences at the environmental, economic and social level [11]. In addition, the ageing population contributes to environmental problems due to the growth of independent and assisted living facilities that contribute to a passive consumption of energy [12][13][14][15][16]. Car use is another element of concern since older people are more likely to have a driving licence and to make trips than previous generations of seniors [17], and this is especially the case in low-density areas where public transport is not well developed [18]. ...
Sustainable development is challenged by the exponential growth of the older population, which threatens available resources. In this paper, we question current negative views in the ageing debate by considering the ageing process from a philosophical perspective. By focusing on frailty, a feature that is usually associated with old age, we show that ageing can be the means to highlight the constitutive vulnerable condition of human beings which makes them exposed to others. As a result, we redefine the relationship between the human and the natural world as one of co-constitution and reciprocal sustenance and promotion. We move away from the current approach to sustainable development and we suggest a vision in which the concept of care becomes central. We claim, on the basis of social media behavioral analysis, that the elderly could be involved in care practices of other human beings and especially of nature, contributing actively to sustainable development.
... Asimismo, algunos trabajos advierten de la limitada capacidad de supervivencia de las personas mayores ante condiciones climáticas extremas, debido al aumento de los problemas de salud, movilidad reducida (nivel de competencia y discapacidad), aislamiento, exclusión social, y problemas de acceso a servicios sociales y de salud (O'Neill et al., 2009; Aubrecht et al., 2013). La literatura indica una creciente evidencia de que el entorno físico-social tiene una influencia determinante en la vulnerabilidad de las personas mayores frente a los peligros naturales (Haq et al., 2013; Gamble et al., 2013; Tillett, 2013). Sin embargo, existe un limitado conocimiento sobre cómo envejecer en el lugar y adaptarnos a los retos del cambio climático. ...
There is a limited understanding of the challenge of an aging population in Latin America to the dangers of climate change. The research analyzes the factors that determine the vulnerability of the elderly population in households affected by recurrent floods in the city of Monterrey (Mexico) and its adaptability to hazards. The methodology is based on an analysis of survey data and the use of GIS at neighborhood. The results indicate that the vulnerability of aging in place (housing and neighborhood) affected by recurrent floods is explained by the factors, environmental pressure, functional competence, advanced aging, exclusion social and capacity for risk management. The distribution of vulnerable elderly population shows a greater focus on neighborhoods demographically aging city center and suburban neighborhoods highly marginalized of Monterrey. It is concluded that the deficiencies in risk management and limited adaptability of the elderly to recurrent floods favors their vulnerability to climate change.
... As Nigatu study, students who knew about climate change were more likely to be aware about health impacts of climate changes. The impact of climate change on human health has been seen in several studies worldwide [17,18]. As a result, studied population had low knowledge of climate change, but was highly concerned about climate change and its impacts, even higher than that in the similar study conducted in Jamaica [8]. ...
Vietnam located among countries with high risk of climate change and sea rising. Evaluating and measuring perceptions of people regarding climate change and its impacts to human-being in Vietnam is highly required. A cross-sectional study was carried out among selected populations living in 3 provinces (Ha Tinh, Quang Nam and Ca Mau) of Vietnam in 2014. The results showed that up to 74.2% of people are at poor level of knowledge on climate change, i.e. its manifestations, causes and impacts, most vulnerable groups to climate change, adapting and mitigating
measures to climate change. Mean score of the respondents regarding knowledge of climate change was at very low level, accounting for only 39.7 out of 100. More than 90% of respondents are either concerned or very concerned about
climate change and its impacts. There was a significant association between education level and knowledge regarding manifestations/impacts of climate change, adaptation and mitigation measures to climate change. Female tends to have
better knowledge even though there was no significant difference
... The impact of climate change on human health has been seen in several studies worldwide (27,28). In this study, people reported that they more easily became ill now than some years ago, although most of the symptoms and diseases mentioned were common, with the exception of the increase in emerging diseases such as the new influenzas, dengue and Japanese encephalitis. ...
... This perception might be a result of the findings from another study in Northern Vietnam, which showed that a warming climate would change seasonal structure, and a warming winter would result in changes in people's biological rhythm (27). The results of a study conducted in Australia, Canada, UK, USA, and Sweden (28) suggested that a warmer climate could have adverse impacts on people's health which could lead to negative health consequences for vulnerable groups such as old people and those suffering from cardiac diseases, while a colder climate could lead to increases in coughs/colds, headaches, asthma, pneumonia, and especially in re-emerging diseases such as dengue or Japanese encephalitis (28). ...
... This perception might be a result of the findings from another study in Northern Vietnam, which showed that a warming climate would change seasonal structure, and a warming winter would result in changes in people's biological rhythm (27). The results of a study conducted in Australia, Canada, UK, USA, and Sweden (28) suggested that a warmer climate could have adverse impacts on people's health which could lead to negative health consequences for vulnerable groups such as old people and those suffering from cardiac diseases, while a colder climate could lead to increases in coughs/colds, headaches, asthma, pneumonia, and especially in re-emerging diseases such as dengue or Japanese encephalitis (28). ...
Background:
The World Health Organization emphasized that climate change is a significant and emerging threat to public health, especially in lower income populations and tropical/subtropical countries. However, people in Asia and Africa were the least likely to perceive global warming as a threat. In Vietnam, little research has been conducted concerning the perceptions of effects of climate change on human health.
Objective:
The aim of this study was to explore the perceptions on climate change and its impact on human health among people in Hanoi.
Design:
We applied a combined quantitative and qualitative approach to study perceptions on climate change among people in Hanoi. A total of 1,444 people were recruited, including 754 people living in non-slum areas and 690 people living in slum areas of Hanoi. A structured questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data on their perceptions. In a parallel qualitative study, two focus group discussions and 12 in-depth interviews (IDs) were carried out involving 24 people from both slum and non-slum areas.
Results:
The majority of the respondents in the study had heard about climate change and its impact on human health (79.3 and 70.1% in non-slum and slum areas, respectively). About one third of the respondents reported that members of their family had experienced illness in the recent summer and winter compared to the same seasons 5 years ago. The most common symptoms reported during hot weather were headaches, fatigue, and dizziness; hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases were also reported. During cold weather, people reported experiencing cough, fever, and influenza, as well as pneumonia and emerging infectious diseases such as dengue and Japanese encephalitis.
Conclusions:
The observed high level of awareness on the links between climate change and human health may help to increase the success of the National Prevention Program on Climate Change. Moreover, understanding the concerns of the people may help policy makers to develop and implement effective and sustainable adaptation measures for Hanoi City as well as for Vietnam as a whole.
Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund
Die Alter(n)sforschung nimmt sich zunehmend der Herausforderungen im Zuge des Klimawandels an, behandelt jedoch eher die „Reaktionsbedarfe“ denn „Aktionsmöglichkeiten“ älterer Menschen.
Material und Methoden
Auf Basis eines Scoping Review von 39 Fachbeiträgen werden Konstruktionen von Alter(n) im Kontext des Klimawandels und von Nachhaltigkeit analysiert und es wird auf existierende Verengungen hingewiesen. Aus diesen Überlegungen wird ein Modell entworfen, das erfolgreiches, aktives und nachhaltiges Alter(n) in Einklang bringen lässt.
Ergebnisse
In der Fachliteratur werden ältere Menschen häufig als homogene, vulnerable Gruppe eingeordnet, die dem Klimawandel ausgeliefert ist. Im Kontext von Nachhaltigkeit kommt ihnen entweder die Rolle als zentrale Verursacher:innen des Klimawandels zu, oder sie werden als Teil der Lösung von Umweltkrisen verhandelt. Solche Verengungen werden in diesem Beitrag aufgelöst und es werden existierende Ambivalenzen in Lebenswelt und Forschung im Modell des „nachhaltigen Alter(n)s im Kontext das Klimawandels“ verbunden.
Diskussion
Der Klimawandel kann nur gemeinsam bewältigt werden. Die Alter(n)sforschung kann auf Basis des vorgestellten Modells wichtige Beiträge zum Umgang mit Klimaveränderungen und zu (Re‑)Aktionen im Hinblick auf die Umweltkrise leisten.
As a part of a marginalized and vulnerable group, global older adult and environmental change bring together two key policy challenges that must be addressed to ensure a sustainable future. In terms of the communication perspective of sustainable development goals, communication performance should address environmental factors for the effectiveness of successful aging. The success of the communication strategies and attitudes scale in two previous studies was applied in the current study. This study applied a survey to assisted-specific living communities with the 71 items of communication scale for older adults. The result showed that older adults’ communication strategies and attitudes scale has high validity and reliability. Several items of communication strategies and attitudes were modified based on the local context of a specific region in Indonesia. This study concluded that an Indonesian version of the greener communication self-assessment scale of older adults (Indonesian-Greener CSOA) could be developed for more local contexts in specific regions of Indonesia, including the integration with the model that applied a greener communication perspective. The existing greener communication perspective could make a better understanding of the interaction between global aging and the environment to prevent and minimize disproportionate negative impacts on older people.
The geographic variations in global aging reflect well-documented differences underlying socio-political and health care systems, but they also underscore a less examined phenomenon–the significance of place. A primary goal of this chapter is to identify the different pathways through which the built environment can influence health and well-being and the diverse intervention approaches for maximizing healthy aging. Our approach is to conduct a scoping review on how the built environment can promote healthy aging by addressing key frameworks, issues, and examples. The chapter examines health, built environments, and aging interactions in a global context; introduces some of the most acknowledged conceptual frameworks for understanding these dynamic interactions; reviews key findings from prior research on environmental influences on health with special attention to the aging population; identifies concepts and measures of the built environment relevant to healthy aging; reflects upon different types of environmental interventions; and provides examples from the United States and other parts of the world for improving population health through environmental strategies and policies. From this review, we conclude that the built environment, in all of its forms, represents a very promising avenue for understanding and enhancing healthy aging among a growing and increasingly diverse older population.
The book offers a broad, sharp and necessary vision of the global challenges of population aging and climate change. It is argued that the possible solutions will come from a joint approach to both issues. It reflects on the causes and consequences of climate change, as well as the strategies to curb its progress based on the understanding of its connections with the population of the planet, marked by ecological deterioration, urbanization, inequality, migration and aging. This global phenomenon represents a social achievement and an opportunity of business; but, also, a threat to the economy of the States, for its repercussions in pensions, health, dependency and, even, ecological footprint. So, ARE WE PREPARED TO ADAPT TO CLIMATE CHANGE IN AN AGED WORLD? CAN WE GET TO A LONGEVITY ABOVE OUR POSSIBILITIES? Social, public health, housing, land management and risk management policies must adapt their programs and resources to climate change in an aging world, where the elderly are the main victims of disasters. An approach is proposed to the factors that determine vulnerability and resilience in aging, such as our environment. From the environmental gerontology, the implications of the physical environments (housing, residences, neighborhoods, cities) and social (family, social networks) in the adaptive capacities of older adults face a climate emergency scenario. Precisely, the environment can promote active and healthy aging, reducing the risk of dependence and pharmacological expenditure, however, few know how to adapt it. Despite this, some of the answers to demographic and climatic uncertainties will come from a better knowledge of the environments we will live in, and where the active participation of this group will be crucial to build a promising future, which is now elusive.
La obra ofrece una visión amplia, aguda y necesaria sobre los retos globales del envejecimiento de la población y el cambio climático. Se defiende que las posibles soluciones vendrán de un abordaje conjunto de ambas cuestiones. Se reflexiona sobre las causas y las consecuencias del cambio climático, así como las estrategias para frenar su avance a partir de la comprensión de sus conexiones con la población del planeta, marcadas por el deterioro ecológico, la urbanización, la desigualdad, la migración y el envejecimiento. Este fenómeno global representa un logro social y una oportunidad de negocio; pero, también, una amenaza para la economía de los Estados, por sus repercusiones en pensiones, sanidad, dependencia e, incluso, huella ecológica. Así, ¿ESTAMOS PREPARADOS PARA ADAPTARNOS AL CAMBIO CLIMÁTICO EN UN MUNDO ENVEJECIDO?, ¿PODEMOS LLEGAR A UNA LONGEVIDAD POR ENCIMA DE NUESTRAS POSIBILIDADES? Las políticas sociales, de salud pública, vivienda, ordenación del territorio y gestión del riesgo deben adecuar sus programas y recursos al cambio climático en un mundo envejecido, donde las personas mayores son las principales víctimas de los desastres. Se propone una aproximación a los factores que determinan la vulnerabilidad y la resiliencia en el envejecimiento, como nuestro ambiente. Desde la gerontología ambiental, se afrontan las implicaciones de los entornos físicos (viviendas, residencias, barrios, ciudades) y sociales (familia, redes sociales) en las capacidades de adaptación de los adultos mayores ante un escenario de emergencia climática. Precisamente, el entorno puede promover el envejecimiento activo y saludable, reduciendo el riesgo de dependencia y el gasto farmacológico, sin embargo, pocos conocen cómo adaptarlo. A pesar de ello, algunas de las respuestas a las incertidumbres demográficas y climáticas vendrán de un mejor conocimiento de los ambientes que habitaremos, y donde la participación activa de este colectivo será crucial para construir un futuro promisorio, que ahora se muestra esquivo.
