Listening to older adults’ perspectives on climate change: Focus group study

Abstract

This study explores climate change knowledge, attitudes, and experiences of community-dwelling older adults in Edmonton, Alberta. A qualitative descriptive methodology was used where thirty-nine older adults participated in one of six focus groups. A thematic data analysis helped identify three key themes synthesized from participants’ narratives: (a) Making sense of climate change, (b) lack of leadership in managing climate change; and (c) actions to address climate change that include an emphasis on individual responsibility and valuing the contributions of older adults. Older adults vary in their climate change literacy and levels of concern about climate change but share a commitment to environmental stewardship and community wellbeing. Expanding opportunities for older Canadians to learn about climate change and engage in climate initiatives will bring multiple benefits to this population and to the climate change movement.