Submission ID 116384
| Issue/Objective | Climate change is an escalating global health crisis, with its impacts disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations, particularly older adults. Nepal, among the most disaster-prone countries, faces severe climate-related challenges, including floods, landslides, and erratic weather patterns, which significantly impact the health and well-being of its aging population. Despite this, limited research has explored how Nepalese elders experience and respond to these environmental threats, particularly through indigenous knowledge and community-based adaptation strategies. |
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| Methodology/Approach | This investigation examines how elders in Nepal deal with the health repercussions of global warming and how they contribute to regional efforts for adaptation and mitigation. Using a comparative case study approach, the research draws on qualitative data from focus group discussions and in-depth interviews across five climate-affected communities and five matched comparison communities. Thematic analysis reveals critical insights into how elders perceive climate-related health risks, the traditional practices they employ to cope with these challenges, and the gaps in current policy and intervention strategies. |
| Results | The findings emphasize the importance of indigenous wisdom in boosting community resilience and inform policy recommendations for incorporating aging-friendly adaptation tactics into Nepal's Health National Adaptation Plan. The study also highlights opportunities to merge traditional practices with innovations, promoting sustainable, technology-enhanced solutions. By bridging cultural heritage with modern interventions, this research contributes to a more inclusive and effective approach to climate adaptation, ensuring that the voices and wisdom of elders are recognized in shaping future resilience strategies. |
| Discussion/Conclusion | Indigenous knowledge held by Nepalese elders is a crucial but underutilized resource for climate adaptation, offering practical, community-based strategies to enhance resilience against environmental challenges. Elder-inclusive policies and stronger community engagement are essential to addressing both the vulnerabilities and contributions of older adults, ensuring their active participation in climate adaptation and disaster response efforts. Bridging traditional practices with modern innovations can create sustainable, culturally sensitive adaptation strategies. |
| Presenters and affiliations | Dr Bhim Prasad Sapkota Ministry of Health and Population Bhim Prasad Sapkota Ministry of Health and Population |
