An international survey led by Simon Fraser University's Gerontology Research Centre (GRC) and the University of York's (UK) Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) is tracking attitudes about the environment among those over 55.
The EnviroSurvey55, which involves a consortium of organizations, will provide a snapshot of current attitudes of older people to such environmental issues as climate change.
The survey aims to identify difficulties that people over the age of 55 face in personally taking action to reduce their environmental footprints. It will be conducted from February 1 – March 31, 2012. Anyone over the age of 55 is invited to complete it by visiting www.envirosurvey55.com.
Gloria Gutman, a professor in SFU's GRC says: "Evidence shows that older people can be disproportionately affected by environmental problems such as air pollution, climate change-related heat waves and other natural disasters. It's important that seniors around the world make their voices heard so that steps will be taken to better prepare them, and to meet their needs when they can't always do it themselves."
Gary Haq, SEI senior researcher, says: "The survey will provide insight into the level of understanding and concern about environmental issues in this demographic group, including differences that are linked to geography and location. The results of the survey will feed into the policy process and help develop better strategies that address the environmental concerns of an ageing population."
Gutman says The EnviroSurvey55 builds on previous studies of older people and the environment and focuses on the vulnerability of this demographic group to the effects of a changing climate, and the need for new approaches that are sensitive to personal circumstances in later life.
The survey comes at a time when the environment will again be in the international spotlight as world leaders gather in Rio de Janeiro for the United Nation's Conference for Environment and Development, "Earth Summit", in June 2012.
Other consortium partners include, Age UK, Community Service Volunteers' Retired and Senior Volunteer Programme (RSVP), HelpAge International, and the Council On The Ageing (COTA) – Victoria (Australia).
Backgrounder
The Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) is a global science policy research institute headquartered in Stockholm and with its UK office based in the Environment Department at the University of York. Its mission is to bridge the gap between science and policy to achieve change for a sustainable future. www.york.ac.uk/environment/
SEI has produced the following reports on older people and environment: Greening the Greys: Over 50s and Climate, Growing Old in a Changing Climate, Older People and Environment: The Case for Better Engagement.
Simon Fraser University's Gerontology Research Centre recently hosted a conference on the interface of population ageing and climate change, two of the biggest challenges facing the world today. Proceedings are available at www.sfu.ca/fc2011.
HelpAge International is a global network of organizations helping older people claim their rights, challenge discrimination and overcome poverty, so that they can lead dignified, secure, active and healthy lives.
Age UK is the new force combining Age Concern and Help the Aged, dedicated to improving later life. They provide free information, advice and support to over five million people; commercial products and services to over one million customers; and research and campaign on the issues that matter to people in later life.
COTA Victoria is the representative body of older individuals and organizations representing seniors. COTA is a non-profit organization committed to human rights, social justice and the eradication of ageism. Their mission is to mobilize older people and those who work with them, to age well in a just society.
RSVP encourages volunteering in the over 50's within the UK and is part of Community Service Volunteers (CSV), a company limited by guarantee and a registered charity.
Contact:
Gloria Gutman, 778.782.5063, gutman@sfu.ca
Heather Stewart, 778.782.9466, heather_stewart@sfu.ca
Marianne_Meadahl, PAMR, 778.782.9017; Marianne_Meadahl@sfu.ca