Advancing gerontological nursing science in climate change

Ruth McDermott-Levy, Donna M. Fick

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

Older adults have unique health risks related to climate change. This commentary addresses the health impacts of climate change for older adults, identifies gaps in gerontological nursing research, and highlights areas for research to address the significant gap in nursing science. Climate risks of extreme weather events, such as heat, rain, flooding, and wildfires, as well as poor air quality, vector-borne diseases, interruptions of services, and treatment plans all place older adults at risk of experiencing greater morbidity and early mortality. Despite these risks, there is a gap in nursing research related to climate change and aging. Nurse scientists can address this gap with an interdisciplinary approach. There are climate resources and theoretical frameworks to support scientific inquiry. Funding sources must be made available to assure rigorous scholarship of climate-related health impacts for older adults. Gerontological nurse researchers must build capacity to address climate change and health.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)6-12
Number of pages7
JournalResearch in Gerontological Nursing
Volume13
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2020

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Nursing
  • Gerontology
  • Health Policy
  • Geriatrics and Gerontology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Advancing gerontological nursing science in climate change'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this