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Staying put amidst the changing climate: lessons from older Nepalis
Liat Ayalon1, Senjooti Roy1, Sanju Thapa Magar2
1Louis and Gabi Weisfeld School of Social Work, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel.
Innovation in Aging
|December 17, 2025
Summary
Older Nepalese stay in place despite climate change due to financial limits, age, and hopelessness. Policy interventions are needed to build resilience and support vulnerable populations facing climate threats.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Sociology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Climate change disproportionately affects the Global South, often forcing relocation.
- Older adults in Nepal face significant climate threats but remain in their communities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To understand the decision-making process of older Nepalese individuals who choose to stay in place despite climate change impacts.
- To explore the factors influencing immobility among elderly populations in climate-vulnerable regions.
Main Methods:
- Phenomenological approach utilizing five focus group discussions with 54 participants (mean age 69.33).
- Thematic analysis was employed to interpret qualitative data from participants experiencing severe climate change impacts.
Main Results:
- A pervasive sense of helplessness was identified, stemming from financial constraints, age-related limitations, and perceived inadequate government support.
- Place attachment and a bleak outlook on environmental improvements further reinforced the decision to remain.
- Hopelessness emerged as a significant barrier to migration, with participants accepting their unchangeable fate.
Conclusions:
- Socio-economic vulnerabilities and institutional weaknesses impede adaptation and relocation for older adults facing climate change.
- Subjective perceptions play a crucial role in the decision to remain in place.
- Integrated policy interventions are essential to enhance resources, strengthen support systems, and foster resilience in climate-affected communities.
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