"The Seasons Changed, and So Did We": Older Adults’ Adaptation Experiences to Climate Change in Urban and Rural Contexts in Eskişehir, Türkiye

This study examines how older adults experience and respond to climate change through a qualitative phenomenological approach in Eskişehir, Türkiye. In-depth interviews were conducted with 24 individuals aged 65 and above living in urban and rural areas. Participants perceived climate change mainly through rising temperatures, drought, and irregular seasonal patterns. Rural participants emphasized agricultural and water-related problems, whereas urban participants highlighted increasing heat, energy costs, and social isolation. The findings show that older adults develop adaptation strategies such as household adjustments and resource-saving practices, although their adaptive capacity is shaped by socioeconomic and health-related factors. By comparing urban and rural experiences, the study contributes to the climate gerontology literature by demonstrating how climate vulnerability is shaped by place-based conditions. Although limited to a small and context-specific sample, the study highlights the need for locally grounded and age-sensitive climate adaptation policies.