Disasters, Despair, and the Aged

This chapter explores the significant yet underexplored relationship between climate change and mental health of older adults, a demographic especially vulnerable to its impacts due to factors such as physical decline, cognitive impairments, chronic illness, restricted mobility, and social isolation. Focusing on layered psychological effects of climate change, the chapter considers both direct and indirect mental health impacts of climate change. Recognizing the specific vulnerabilities of older adults, the chapter calls for urgent action in the form of age sensitive climate strategies, specialized mental health care, and localized support networks. It emphasizes the importance of a collaborative framework that unites mental health professionals, decision makers, and community leaders. By addressing the compounded vulnerabilities of older adults, the chapter contributes to a more inclusive understanding of impacts of climate change on mental health and emphasizes the ethical imperative of supporting marginalized populations in the face of a changing climate.