Social isolation/integration of older persons in climate changing cities and communities

This proposal integrates two global phenomena that pose significant challenges to the general population, and especially to older adults:  social isolation of older adults (age 65+) in their cities and communities, and the impacts of climate change. In this proposal, we will examine the perceived impacts of climate-related events and conditions on older adults’ social isolation vs. integration in the urban environment. For instance, extreme heat may confine already socially isolated older adults to their homes, natural disasters may threaten the communities and social fabric that previously provided support and integration to older adults, and the financial costs imposed by climate change (e.g., rising home insurance costs) may prohibit new families and support systems from moving into the neighbourhoods that older adults have long called home.

Our focus on one historically cold area yet with rising temperatures and great seasonal variation (Boston, Massachusetts in the United States) and one historically hot area with persistent high temperatures year-round (Tel Aviv, Israel) will enable us to understand older adults’ adaptations to distinctive climate contexts. By the end of this project, we will develop and test a) a theory on the relationship between older adults’ social isolation/integration in cities and communities within the context of climate change, and b) innovative qualitative methods to explore perceived climate and environmental effects on social isolation/integration through the lived experiences of older adults. Findings will be used to enhance research and theoretical understanding and generate public scholarship with an eye toward informing policy changes globally and locally.