AGING AND RADICAL ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE: “WHY DON’T THEY JUST LEAVE?”
2024

Older Adults and Environmental Change in Louisiana

Sample size: 161 publication

Author Information

Author(s): Marlene Friis, Jeanette Gustat, Katie Cherry, James Cronin, William Bertrand

Primary Institution: Tulane University

Hypothesis

How do older adults make decisions about staying in vulnerable coastal areas despite environmental changes?

Conclusion

Most older adults in the study intend to remain in their coastal community despite environmental threats.

Supporting Evidence

  • Older adults are overrepresented in vulnerable populations.
  • 75% of adults aged 55 and over intend to stay in the area despite environmental changes.
  • Older adults value continuity in their communities over disruption.

Takeaway

Many older people in Louisiana want to stay where they are, even though the area is facing big environmental problems.

Methodology

The study used the Environmental Distress Scale and conducted in-depth interviews with older adults.

Participant Demographics

Geographically vulnerable adult residents in lower Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana, primarily aged 55 and over.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.4117

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