6 Global environments of ageing: towards co-designing climate resilient environments and communities for ageing well

This chapter examines how climate change affects older populations and explores ways to design climate-resilient environments and communities that support healthy ageing. It highlights that older adults are particularly vulnerable to climate risks—such as heatwaves and extreme weather—due to health conditions, social isolation, and inadequate infrastructure. Despite this vulnerability, their perspectives and experiences are often missing from climate adaptation planning.

The research found that engaging older adults can reveal valuable knowledge about past sustainable practices, community cooperation, and local environmental change. Participants emphasized the importance of community networks, accessible infrastructure, climate-resilient housing, mobility, healthcare access during extreme weather, and intergenerational collaboration. These elements help transform climate change from an abstract global issue into actionable local strategies.