Key Takeaways

  • Climate change is the biggest threat to human health. Not only is physical health impacted but there are significant mental health consequences.

  • Older adults are especially vulnerable to climate change impact.

  • As part of our NCMHA Webinar Series, this presentation will cover the most important mental health impacts of climate change in the general population, with an emphasis on older adults.

According to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the nation’s population aged 65 and over is set to nearly double by the year 2050—from approximately 48 million to 88 million. And likewise, the number of people living with vulnerabilities, like chronic health conditions and disabilities, will grow. Older adults, their families, and caregivers have many considerations when it comes to the negative impacts of climate change, including its affect on their mental health.

Join us and National Coalition on Mental Health and Aging (NCMHA) for a webinar series covering "Climate Change and the Impact on Older Adults' Mental Health", a primer for providers and advocates.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Describe the mental health aspects of acute and slow moving disasters associated with climate disruption.
  2. Describe the impacts of extreme heat on mood, behavior and cognition.
  3. Identify the emotional and psychological responses associated with “eco-distress”.
  4. Understand age-specific factors contributing to mental health impacts of climate change in older adults.

Presenters:

  • Robin Cooper, MD, Associate Clinical Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco
  • Andreea Seritan, MD, Geriatric Psychiatrist and Professor of Clinical Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. Make sure to choose the Add to Calendar button so that the event shows up in your calendar.