A systematic review on climate change, trending outcomes for the care of older adults, and financial expenditure

As global populations age, life expectancy increases, and the impacts of climate change intensify, there is a corresponding rise in financial expenditure associated with both extreme climate events and a growing demand for long-term healthcare. There is a gap in research showing how climate change, the care of aging populations, and financial expenditure are interconnected.  A systematic review of literature is carried out to identify the interrelationships and to explore existing trends and evidence on senior care during the time of climate change. This work is important to identify barriers and priority action areas for adaptation, mitigation, and future planning to increase health gain and achieve positive economic outcomes.

The systematic review of existing peer-reviewed publications is carried out by following PRISMA guidelines.  The methodology is guided by recommendations from Cochrane and in the WHO Guidance on Research Methods for Health Emergency and Disaster Risk Management. Three electronic databases have been searched (PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus) to assess available literature on climate change, the care of older persons, and financial expenditure. A risk of bias assessment is completed using CASP checklists.

Initial results of this review have identified significant adverse impacts for older society members including decreased physical and mental health during extreme weather events resulting in increased medical and care costs. Preliminary results also highlight a need for energy-efficient built environments, clean and affordable energy sources to overcome energy poverty, and a new way of rethinking how we care for senior society members, including increased support from families and communities.

This research aims to contribute to increasing transdisciplinary knowledge from the fields of health and care, energy, and climate change to create societies for older people that are friendly, affordable, and resilient to the adverse effects of climate change. The results aim to advance the transdisciplinary knowledge of climate services, health, and energy economics; co-creating synergies and actionable solutions; and working with societal actors for implementation, transfer, and upscaling of research.