A Research Agenda for Aging and Climate Change: Recommendations from a Research-to-Practice Consensus Workshop

Abstract

Although climate change poses disproportionate health risks to older adults, studies addressing this critical problem remain scarce and fragmented. As research on the intersection of population aging and climate change effects is increasing, guidance is needed regarding key research priorities for the field. To inform future inquiry, a Research-to-Practice Consensus Workshop (RPCW) was convened with 44 multidisciplinary participants, including researchers, practitioners, and policymakers. Using structured small-group discussions and an established priority-setting process, participants critiqued existing research, identified knowledge gaps, and achieved consensus on a research agenda for aging and climate change. Fourteen research priorities included: quantifying economic impacts of climate change on older populations, developing evidence-based climate communication strategies, and addressing program access barriers. Additional priorities encompassed healthcare integration, emergency protocols, and disparities research. These findings provide a practice-driven, evidence-informed framework for prioritizing research topics, intervention development, and funding priorities addressing the intersection of aging and climate change.