Two-piece puzzle: Older population and climate change in Serbia

Abstract

The aim of this research is to shed a light on the dual relationship between older population and climate change in Serbia. On the one hand, there is a (dis)proportional susceptibility of the older population to the various environmental risks due to objective impairments caused by ageing process (physical and cognitive). The heterogeneous characteristics of older population pose an important limiting factor for unilateral practical responses in the case of the environmental hazards, as older population is more vulnerable than other age groups. On the other hand, the rising number of older population can have more pronounced impact on the climate actions and possible mitigation. The paper discusses the nexus of climate change and population ageing through emerging theoretical framework and empirical approach that uses purposive sampling with tailored made survey questions. The questionnaire was design to investigate the perceptions of older population on climate change, their preparedness for extreme weather events and their assessment of innovative strategies for promoting climate awareness. The research is planned to be carried out on more than 100 older adults in various cities in Serbia. The results are expected to reveal how much the older responders are worries about the impact of climate change in actual and future generations, and how much the possibility for different extreme weather events frighten them. Furthermore, the research will cover the anticipated help from others (family, friends, neighbors, medical stuff etc.) in the case of environmental emergency. Additionally, older respondents will be asked about possible lifestyle changes they would adopt as a response to the changing climate. As a conclusion, the paper will address the issues regarding the impact of climate change on older person’s life, and maneuvering room when it comes to the better climate awareness among older population.Editor: Natalija Miri