Grant: CG: CBR in Climate Change Pri. Areas-Health Imp. of Climate Change Older Adults

At the same time that we are experiencing an acceleration of the impacts of climate change, which disproportionately affect older adults, Canada's population is rapidly aging. While existing research has demonstrated that climate change negatively impacts older adults' physical health, much less is known about the consequences for their mental health. In this study, our team aims to develop new understandings of the mental health impacts of climate change and to identify strategies that older adults use to protect and enhance their mental health in this context. We will use an innovative research approach where participants submit photos and share stories about their experiences. The study will be conducted in British Columbia, where there have been several climate-related weather events over the past few years and where there is a large older adult population. After we complete interviews and focus groups with participants, we will hold a virtual workshop. During the workshop participants can discuss their experiences with community leaders, clinicians and policy/decision-makers. By the end of the project, we will have a better understanding of the impacts of climate change on older adults' mental health and insights into how they manage these impacts. We will then be able to make recommendations for tailored mental health supports for our aging population in this era of climate change.