Columbia Population Research Center Seminar: A Framework for Understanding the Climate-Related Health Vulnerabilities of Older Adults and Aging Populations
A Framework for Understanding the Climate-Related Health Vulnerabilities of Older Adults and Aging Populations Jenna Tipaldo, Deborah Balk, and Lori Hunter A virtual seminar on April 9, 2024 co-hosted by the Columbia Population Research Center and the CUNY Institute for Demographic Research Abstract: The 21st century will see substantial global demographic shifts with population aging and continued urbanization and rural population decline along with increasing hazards and impacts of climate change. Older adults are especially vulnerable to health impacts and mortality due to climate-related stressors through various mechanisms. For many, aging is accompanied by bodily changes that impact daily life, such as ambulation and communication, and impact morbidity and mortality risk, such as thermoregulation and chronic conditions. Factors such as gender, race/ethnicity, access to resources, social isolation, cognitive abilities, and location may also play a role in vulnerability to climate
