A Scoping Review of Research on Older People and Intergenerational Relations in the Context of Climate Change

Abstract

Background and Objectives In view of the inherited temporal dimension of climate change, this study aims to highlight diverse intergenerational effects and coping strategies by examining the state of literature on older people and intergenerational relations in the context of climate change Research Design and Methods A scoping review of peer-reviewed scientific literature was conducted. We searched the following bibliographical datasets: PubMed, Web of Science, and APA PsycNet in addition to a snowballing search based on Google Scholar. The primary search was conducted between September 22, 2021 and September 26, 2021, using variations of the search terms: older people AND intergenerational AND climate change. Two independent raters classified the articles using pre-specified inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results In total, 20 articles were maintained for data extraction. Articles reflect two poles in relation to older people and intergenerational relations in the context of climate change. The first emphasizes intergenerational conflicts and differences, whereas the second stresses solidarity and transmission of knowledge and practices between the generations. Discussion and Implications Both older and younger people are affected by age-based discrimination in the context of climate change. Generational differences in energy consumption and attitudes towards climate change exist. Nonetheless, these can be overcome by stressing the solidarity between the generations and the ability of older people to contribute to the climate change movement as well as by the ability of both young and old to transmit knowledge and practices related to sustainability.

The Role of Ageism in Climate Change Worries and Willingness to Act

“…In addition to joining climate protests, older adult-led organizations like Climate Legacy, Elders Climate Action, Grandparents Climate Action, and the International Council of Grandmothers are fighting for a livable future for their children and grandchildren. Older people also can serve as the bearers of knowledge of traditional practices transmitted to the younger generations (Ayalon et al, 2022). Hence, we should strive to encourage solidarity between the generations, rather than division, in further mitigation efforts towards a healthy climate for healthy aging and healthy longevity (World Health Organization, 2022).…”

“…The review concluded that both younger and older people are affected by age-based discrimination related to climate change as well as by direct and indirect climate change effects including mitigation and adaptation efforts. Nonetheless, differences between the generations can be overcome by stressing the solidarity between the generations and the valued knowledge of older people who can contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts (Ayalon et al, 2022).…”

“…Although much of the literature on social justice has addressed the distinction between the global north and the global south as well as more local struggles in search for social justice among indigenous populations and different ethnic/racial minority groups, social justice also has temporal dimensions (Ayalon et al, 2022). The temporal features of climate change refer to the fact that (in)actions of the past or the present have implications for the future including for generations not yet born.…”

“…A recent review has focused on intergenerational relations in the context of climate change (Ayalon et al, 2022). The review identified two poles along the dimensions of conflict and differences between the generations versus solidarity and transmission of knowledge and practices across generations.…”

“…To date, the concept of ageism has received only minimal attention with regard to climate change (Ayalon et al, 2022), with the limited research conducted on the topic emphasizing ageism toward younger people who are portrayed as inexperienced and overzealous in the case of climate change (Bergmann & Ossewaarde, 2020). However, given the temporal aspects of climate change and its differential impact on people because of their age as well as the differential power of different age groups to influence policy concerning climate change, the concept of ageism possibly has relevance for the understanding of climate change attitudes.…”