Abstract
Climate change is a complex, long-termpublichealth challenge. Older people are especially susceptible to certain climate change impacts, such as heat waves. We suggest that older peoplemay be a resource for addressing climate change because of their concern for legacy-for leaving behind values, attitudes, and an intact world to their children and grandchildren. We review the theoretical basis for "legacy thinking" among older people. We offer suggestions for research on this phenomenon, and for action to strengthen the sense of legacy. At a timewhen older populations are growing, understanding and promoting legacy thinking may offer an important strategy for addressing climate change.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 1434-1438 |
| Number of pages | 5 |
| Journal | American journal of public health |
| Volume | 102 |
| Issue number | 8 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Aug 2012 |
| Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health