Climate Change and Older Adults Initiative

The Climate Change and Older Adults initiative at Portland State University's Institute on Aging began in 2021 in response to the increased frequency, intensity, and duration of climate events, both locally and globally. This initiative examines the unique vulnerabilities and adaptation needs of older adults in the face of climate change impacts and develops policy recommendations to support climate resilience for older adults. This initiative also facilitates opportunities for meaningful intergenerational dialogue and climate action through community collaborations.

Project Director:

Jacklyn Kohon, PhD, jacklynk@pdx.edu

Projects include:

1) An extreme heat vulnerability index for Portland, Oregon to inform heat-risk management policies

2) An analysis of states’ climate adaptation plans focused on the degree to which they address health, social, and economic risks specific to older adults

3) A study of extreme weather event impacts on resident care, direct care workers’ work-life balance, and assisted living/residential care readiness plans

4) An analysis of assisted living/residential care emergency preparedness plans

5) A systems analysis of gaps that lead to adverse health outcomes during extreme weather events in Portland, Oregon

6) An analysis of preferred public measures to address public health impacts of wildfires

7) An evaluation of policies aimed at supporting climate resilience and reducing social isolation among older adults

8) An intergenerational community workshop, in collaboration with Growing Greener, to engage participants in evaluating their environmental behaviors

9) A four-part intergenerational community workshop series, led by Frank Granshaw, to teach participants about climate science tools and introduce opportunities for local and global climate action