Ageing in a warming world: Eco-anxiety, vulnerability and adjustment in older adults

Background: As the global climate crisis intensifies, older adults – among the most vulnerable populations – may experience heightened eco-anxiety, perceived vulnerability to illness and challenges in psychological adjustment. Aim: To examine the relationship between eco-anxiety, environmental attitudes, perceived vulnerability and psychological adjustment in older adults. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 109 participants aged 65+ in Türkiye, using the Standardised Mini-Mental Test, Eco-Anxiety Scale, Sustainable Environment Attitude Scale, Perceived Vulnerability to Illness Scale and Brief Psychological Adjustment Scale. Results: Eco-anxiety was positively correlated with environmental attitudes ( r = 0.373, p < 0.001) and negatively correlated with psychological adjustment ( r = −0.322, p < 0.001) and perceived vulnerability to illness ( r = −0.883, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Emotional and cognitive responses to environmental threats are closely linked to resilience and health perceptions in older adults. Occupational therapy can proactively address these issues through nature-based engagement, adaptive coping strategies and eco-occupational approaches.