Climate change stakeholders are calling for urgent integration of mental health and age-inclusive approaches into climate action frameworks, following a compelling presentation by Dr. Pamela Kaithuru at a recent multi-stakeholder forum.
Speaking on the theme “Aging in a Changing Climate: Risks, Realities, Resilience, and Response,” Dr. Kaithuru emphasized that climate change is no longer solely an environmental issue but a public health and social justice concern, particularly for older populations.
“Climate shocks are intensifying, yet the mental health impacts on older persons remain largely invisible in disaster response,” she noted. “We provide food, shelter, and medicine—but rarely address the psychological trauma that follows displacement, loss, and disruption of identity.”
Drawing from her interdisciplinary background in meteorology and psychology, Dr. Kaithuru highlighted the intersection of climate risks and mental health, pointing to rising cases of anxiety, depression, and chronic stress among elderly populations affected by floods, droughts, and extreme weather events.
She further underscored that older persons are often excluded from climate dialogues despite being critical repositories of indigenous knowledge and adaptive practices.
“Older persons must not be viewed only as vulnerable,” she said. “They are key contributors to resilience-building and should be actively involved in designing climate solutions.”
The forum also featured insights from Justus Ogando from Spectrum Africa Organization, who challenged policymakers to move beyond vulnerability narratives and adopt dignity-centered adaptation strategies. He highlighted emerging health risks such as heat stress, noting that climate-related deaths among individuals aged 65 and above have risen significantly in recent decades.
Participants identified several priority actions:
Integrating mental health into climate adaptation policies
Strengthening community-based and intergenerational support systems
Developing age-responsive climate information and communication
Promoting inclusive participation of older persons in policy processes
The discussions reinforced the need for a holistic approach to climate resilience, one that safeguards both the physical and psychological well-being of affected populations.
The forum concluded with a call to governments, civil society, and development partners to invest in inclusive, community-driven climate solutions that uphold the dignity and rights of older persons.