Presenter(s):

Joanne Adams, La Trobe University, Australia

Abstract

There is a growing body of literature describing the disproportionate impact of climate change on population groups that may be considered vulnerable, yet little evidence from regional and rural locations is available to describe this. The impact of extreme temperatures on older people is well recognized and typically means that they are considered vulnerable to the impact of climate change. This impact is likely to be amplified for those living in rural and regional locations due to known discrepancies in health status based on geographic location. A range of factors influence vulnerability including health status, living arrangements, social networks and risk perception.

Using a qualitative descriptive study design and participatory workshops, this study explored the impact of climate change on older people living in a rural township of Victoria, Australia. This study forms part of a broader study which considered other population groups who may be considered vulnerable within the same region. The workshop drew on the experience of 17 participants (aged 55- 90, average age 72) within a workshop setting to gain an understanding of perceptions, sources of information, experiences, adaptation and mitigation strategies and thoughts for the future. The workshop was audio-recorded and extensive notes taken to document and describe workshop experiences. Transcripts were imported into NVivo software to enable thematic analysis and identification of key themes.

Our results indicate that despite being physiologically vulnerable to heat, many older people do not perceive themselves to be at risk from heat. Many had well-developed strategies to cope with extreme heat based on lifetime experiences in the region. Participants shared feelings of mistrust of information and concern for misinformation regarding climate change. While they clearly noted changes in the weather and shared the impact of extreme events such as flooding, they described scepticism regarding the causes of climate change. For many, changes in the climate created anxiety and a clear sense of powerlessness. Mental health challenges associated with a changing climate were identified. There was considerable concern for the future and the impact on future generations in the region. Specifically, power security, thermal efficiency of homes, viability of local economies and sustainability of rural lifestyles.

Findings from this study suggest that messaging to older people regarding a changing climate must be mindful of existing risk perceptions and mistrust of information sourced from outside the region. Local strategies must be specifically tailored to local conditions and circumstances. The mental health impact and perceived sense of powerlessness regarding a changing climate must be fully considered in adaptation and mitigation strategies. This is particularly important where health services aim to keep older people in their own homes as long as possible.

*Joanne Adams1, Virginia Dickson-Swift1, Stacey Bracksley-O’Grady1

1. Violet Vines Marshman Centre for Rural Health Research, La Trobe University Bendigo

Bio(s):

Jo is an Early Career Researcher in the Violet Vines Marshman Centre for Rural Health Research (VVMCRHR) based at the La Trobe Rural Health School. Her research work focuses on the rural environment and the experience of rural health. With a background in public and environmental health, Jo has a strong interest in health equity and the impact of intersectional disadvantage on a range of population groups. Her recent work in climate change research has focused on a range of population groups including neurodiverse, CALD and older people. Jo’s research interests include the impact of climate change on health and the benefits of contact with the natural environment, spiritual health, health literacy and communication as well as palliative and end of life care. Jo has extensive experience in conducting research with older population groups and expertise in applying qualitative research methodologies in sensitive research for a range of rural health and wellbeing topics