
Edited from an article by Don Akin in the EndGame 2/24
Embracing Environmental Activism in Later Years: People in our generation can take several approaches to climate change. The first is to be grateful that we won’t be around that much longer to worry about it. We can let somebody else worry about it. But that approach is generally considered cowardly, insensitive toward our children and grandchildren, and not especially constructive.
A second approach is to focus on how older adults are particularly vulnerableto the effects of climate change. It is a fact that our bodies are less able to compensate for certain environmental hazards, such as air pollution. We also are more likely to have health conditions that make us more sensitive to extreme heat and cold. We are more likely to have compromised immune systems that make us more prone to severe illnesses contracted from insects (Lyme disease) and water (diarrhea, dysentery, E. Coli). Finally, we may depend on others for medical care and assistance or may have limited mobility, all of which place us at greater risk in the event of hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, flooding, or other extreme weather events. While all this may be true, seeing ourselves as vulnerable victims has disadvantages. In particular, it plays into ageist stereotypes of older adults as weak and helpless.

That leaves the third approach: actively working to better the environment and to prepare for the new climate realities. Older adults around the world can be active participants rather than passive actors when it comes to climate change, by mobilizing in large numbers to address local environmental problems through civic environmentalism. In other words – stop me if you’ve heard this one – think globally, act locally.
Thinking Globally:Organizations like Third Act, founded in 2022 and Citizens Climate Lobby, founded in 2007 provide avenues for older adults to engage in national campaigns and advocate for climate policies. They emphasize mobilizing across generations and empowering citizens in addressing climate-related issues. Citizens Climate Lobby which has more than 560 local chapters help volunteers develop the skills to lobby officials in their state on climate change issues.
Acting Locally:If lobbying, marching, and writing to politicians are not your cup of tea, there are numerous ways to address climate change closer to home – where you also are likely to see immediate results of your efforts. Opportunities abound. They include planting trees to shade streets and sidewalks, restoring parks and other green spaces, growing produce in a community garden, monitoring water quality in a watershed, reducing your home’s carbon footprint, composting kitchen waste, promoting recycling, and educating children about the environment. A great site for background information and project ideas is the Aging and Climate Change Clearinghouseat Cornell University,
Helping Yourself: While most volunteers are drawn to environmental causes by a sense of responsibility for the world and a commitment to leave a better world behind, there’s also strong evidence that environmental activism promotes healthy aging. In a study of older adults who participated in programs to improve outdoor environments, volunteers improved their physical health, improved their mental wellbeing, and reported feeling a sense of purpose.
Conclusion: If you seek purpose or have extra time, environmental groups are eager to enlist older adults in meaningful projects. Join initiatives like the Pelham Community Trail Coalition and contribute to the effort to combat climate change.