Open AccessAging, Climate Change, and Legacy Thinking
Author(s) -
Howard Frumkin,
Linda P. Fried,
Rick Moody
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
american journal of public health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.284
H-Index - 264
eISSN - 1541-0048
pISSN - 0090-0036
DOI - 10.2105/ajph.2012.300663
Subject(s) - climate change , action (physics) , environmental ethics , resource (disambiguation) , public health , political science , psychology , economic growth , medicine , ecology , economics , computer network , philosophy , physics , nursing , quantum mechanics , computer science , biology
Climate change is a complex, long-term public health challenge. Older people are especially susceptible to certain climate change impacts, such as heat waves. We suggest that older people may 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 time when older populations are growing, understanding and promoting legacy thinking may offer an important strategy for addressing climate change.