Published In
The Gerontologist
Document Type
Pre-Print
Publication Date
6-2023
Subjects
Climatic changes -- Research, Urban heat island -- Oregon --Portland, Urban climatology -- Social aspects, Heat -- Physiological effect
Abstract
Background and Objectives
As climate change drives more frequent and intense weather events, older adults face disproportionate impacts, including having the highest mortality rates from storms, wildfires, flooding, and heat waves. State governments are critical in deploying local resources to help address climate change impacts. This policy study analyzes states’ climate adaptation plans to assess the methods through which they address the impact of climate change on older adults.
Research Design and Methods
This study uses content analysis to analyze available climate change adaptation plans for all U.S. states for strategies designed to increase resilience of older adults to impacts of climate change.
Results
Nineteen states have climate adaptation plans, of which 18 describe older adults as a population group with specific health impacts and risks factors. Four categories of adaptation strategies for older adults include communications, transportation, housing, and emergency services. State plans vary in terms of the risk factors and adaptation strategies included.
Discussion and Implications
To varying degrees, states’ climate change adaptation planning address health, social and economic risks specific to older adults, as well as strategies for mitigating those risks. As global warming continues, collaborations between public and private sectors and across regions will be needed to prevent negative outcomes such as forced relocation and other social and economic disruptions as well as disparate morbidity and mortality.
Rights
© Copyright the author(s)
Locate the Document
DOI
10.1093/geront/gnad077
Persistent Identifier
https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/40508
Citation Details
Published as: Carlson, B., Kohon, J. N., Carder, P. C., Himes, D., Toda, E., & Tanaka, K. (2023). Climate Change Policies and Older Adults: An Analysis of States’ Climate Adaptation Plans. The Gerontologist, gnad077.
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