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Our Research
At the CIRCA, we keep track of funding opportunities that support exploring the fields of aging and climate change. See below for possible sources of funding
Cornell Study of Older Climate Change Activists
CIRCA researchers are studying the nature and dynamics of climate change activism among people age 60 and older. The research involves recruiting older people who devote a significant amount of time post-retirement to climate change and related environmental action to share their experiences and insights. Study questions include: what motivates them, how they remain hopeful, and suggestions for other older adults on how to get involved.
Focus Group Study of Older Adults and Extreme Weather
CIRCA researchers are conducting a focus group study on older adults that explores how aging populations perceive and are impacted by extreme weather events. Through a series of discussions with diverse groups of older adults across New York City and in rural counties of New York State, the study examines their attitudes, beliefs, and concerns about extreme weather.
Our Publications
Ayalon, L., Keating, N., Pillemer, K., & Rabheru, K. (2021). Climate change and mental health of older persons: A human rights imperative. American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 29(10), 1038–1040. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jagp.2021.06.015
Gagliardi, C., Pillemer, K., Gambella, E., Piccinini, F., & Fabbietti, P. (2020). Benefits for older people engaged in environmental volunteering and socializing activities in city parks: Preliminary results of a program in Italy. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(11), 3772. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17113772
Pillemer, K. A., Nolte, J., & Tillema Cope, M. (2022). Promoting climate change activism among older people. Generations, 46(2), 1–16. https://www.jstor.org/stable/48697100
Pillemer, K., & Wagenet, L. P. (2008). Taking action: Environmental volunteerism and civic engagement by older people. Public Policy and Aging Report, 18(2), 1–27. https://doi.org/10.1093/ppar/18.2.1
Pillemer, K., Cope, M. T., & Nolte, J. (2021). Older people and action on climate change: A powerful but underutilized resource. HelpAge International, 1–10. https://www.unescap.org/sites/default/d8files/event-documents/KPillemer_paper.pdf
Pillemer, K., Fuller-Rowell, T. E., Reid, M. C., & Wells, N. M. (2010). Environmental volunteering and health outcomes over a 20-year period. The Gerontologist, 50(5), 594–602. https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/gnq007
Pillemer, K., Wagenet, L., Goldman, D., Bushway, L., & Meador, R. (2009). Environmental volunteering in later life: Benefits and barriers. Generations, 33(4), 58–63. https://www.jstor.org/stable/26555700
Pillemer, K., Wells, N. M., Meador, R. H., Schultz, L., Henderson, C. R. & Tillema Cope, M. (2017). Engaging older adults in environmental volunteerism: The Retirees In Service to the Environment Program. The Gerontologist, 57(2), 367–375. https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/gnv693
Pillemer, K., Wells, N. M., Wagenet, L. P., Meador, R. H., & Parise, J. T. (2011). Environmental sustainability in an aging society: A research agenda. Journal of Aging and Health, 23(3), 433–453. https://doi.org/10.1177/089826431038127
Sykes, K., & Pillemer, K. (2009). The intersection of aging and the environment: Introduction. Generations, 33(4), 6–9. https://www.jstor.org/stable/26555687
Wells, N. M., & Pillemer, K. (2015). Environmental engagement in later life: Reasonable Person Model as a framework for intervention. In R. Kaplan & A. Basu (Eds.), Fostering Reasonableness: Supportive Environments for Bringing Out Our Best (pp. 157–175). Michigan Publishing. http://dx.doi.org/10.3998/maize.13545970.0001.001