A Scoping Review of Research on Older People and Intergenerational Relations in the Context of Climate Change

AbstractBackground and Objectives: In view of the inherited temporal dimension of climate change, this study aims to highlight diverse intergenerational effects and coping strategies by examining the state of literature on older people and intergenerational relations in the context of climate changeResearch Design and Methods: A scoping review of peer-reviewed scientific literature was conducted. We searched the following bibliographical datasets: PubMed, Web of Science, and APA PsycNet in addition to a snowballing search based on Google Scholar. The primary search was conducted between September 22, 2021 and September 26, 2021, using variations of the search terms: older people AND intergenerational AND climate change. Two independent raters classified the articles using pre-specified inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: In total, 20 articles were maintained for data extraction. Articles reflect two poles in relation to older people and intergenerational relations in the context of climate change. The first emphasizes intergenerational conflicts and differences, whereas the second stresses solidarity and transmission of knowledge and practices between the generations. Discussion and Implication: Both older and younger people are affected by age-based discrimination in the context of climate change. Generational differences in energy consumption and attitudes towards climate change exist. Nonetheless, these can be overcome by stressing the solidarity between the generations and the ability of older people to contribute to the climate change movement as well as by the ability of both young and old to transmit knowledge and practices related to sustainability