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Review
. 2024 Oct;26(10):499-513.
doi: 10.1007/s11920-024-01525-0. Epub 2024 Aug 30.

Climate Change and Aging: Implications for Psychiatric Care

Michelle M Mehta  1 , Anne E Johnson  2 , Badr Ratnakaran  3 , Ioana Seritan  4 , Andreea L Seritan  5   6
Affiliations
Review

Climate Change and Aging: Implications for Psychiatric Care

Michelle M Mehta et al. Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2024 Oct.

Abstract

Purpose of review: We reviewed recent evidence regarding the impact of climate change (specifically, high ambient temperatures, heatwaves, weather-related disasters, and air pollution) on older adults' mental health. We also summarized evidence regarding other medical problems that can occur in aging adults in connection with climate change, resulting in psychiatric manifestations or influencing psychopharmacological management.

Recent findings: Older adults can experience anxiety, depressive, and/or posttraumatic stress symptoms, as well as sleep disturbances in the aftermath of climate disasters. Cognitive deficits may occur with exposure to air pollutants, heatwaves, or post-disaster. Individuals with major neurocognitive disorders and/or preexisting psychiatric illness have a higher risk of psychiatric hospitalizations after exposure to high temperatures and air pollution. There is a growing body of research regarding psychiatric clinical presentations associated with climate change in older adults. However, there is a paucity of evidence on management strategies. Future research should investigate culturally appropriate, cost-effective psychosocial and pharmacological interventions.

Keywords: Air pollution; Climate change; Climate disasters; Extreme temperature; Heatwaves; Older adults.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

References

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