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Adaptation to Climate Change and Climate Protection in Geriatric Care for Older People: Strategies, Infrastructure,
Thomas E Dorner1,2, Andrea E Schmidt3, Matei Capatu2
1Medical University of Vienna, Centre for Public Health, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Vienna, Austria.
Gesundheitswesen (Bundesverband Der Arzte Des Offentlichen Gesundheitsdienstes (Germany))
|July 7, 2026
Summary
Climate change poses health risks to older adults needing care. Implementing climate mitigation and adaptation strategies in care settings enhances care security and quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Gerontology
- Public Health
Background:
- Anthropogenic climate change creates significant health challenges for older individuals requiring care.
- Older adults with limited mobility, multiple chronic conditions (multimorbidity), or social isolation are particularly vulnerable to climate-related health impacts.
- Care systems must integrate both climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline essential mitigation and adaptation measures for care systems addressing climate change impacts on older adults.
- To highlight the documented effectiveness of structural, organizational, and social interventions in enhancing climate resilience within care settings.
- To demonstrate how climate-resilient strategies contribute to sustainable transformation in care facilities and communities.
Main Methods:
- Review of mitigation strategies including reduced energy/water consumption, waste minimization, and decreased fossil fuel reliance.
- Analysis of adaptation measures encompassing capacity building, technological innovation, financial management, education, research, and monitoring.
- Examination of structural, organizational, and social measures like resilient buildings, efficient systems, emergency power, secure infrastructure, hygiene, and community support.
Main Results:
- Effective mitigation involves reducing resource consumption and emissions.
- Adaptation requires building capacity, leveraging technology, and strengthening institutional support.
- Proven measures include climate-resilient infrastructure, efficient systems, and robust community-based support services.
- Good practices demonstrate enhanced care security, prevention of dependency, improved quality of life, and ecological/economic benefits.
Conclusions:
- Climate mitigation and adaptation are crucial for future-oriented, needs-based care for older adults.
- Care facilities and community structures are vital for implementing sustainable transformation.
- Integrating climate resilience ensures better care outcomes and supports broader environmental and economic goals.
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