The Impact of Climate Change on Older Adults’ Mental Health: A Primer for Clinicians

Abstract

Climate change is a major public health emergency. Natural disasters (earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, tsunamis, landslides, wildfires, and volcanic eruptions) have been increasing in frequency and severity and can cause lasting psychological sequelae. Older adults are highly vulnerable to the physical and mental health impacts of extreme weather and natural disasters. A narrative review was conducted to identify and summarize English-language articles focusing on the impact of climate change on older adults’ mental health. Sixty sources were identified. This review summarizes age-specific risk factors, clinical presentations (including anxiety, depressive, posttraumatic stress symptoms, and sleep disturbances), and management of psychiatric symptoms linked to climate change in the geriatric population. Older adults are highly vulnerable and can experience multiple mental health symptoms as a result of climate change. Clinicians should be aware and educated regarding the mental health impacts of climate change on older adults, so they can best support their patients.