When discussing the effects of climate change-related events and disaster preparedness in vulnerable groups, the emphasis is often put on the risk factors. In this systematic review we adopt a strength-based approach exploring the factors determining a resilient response to climate disasters and chronic climate change in older people. We focus on individual psychological factors, while considering the systems (family, community, health sector, etc.) the individual is part of, and how they can positively impact individual resilience. The findings are evaluated jointly with older climate change activists and Health and Social Care Professionals (HSCP). The aim of this study is to determine the factors promoting resilience in response to climate change-related events in older adults, informing the design and realization of a microcredential for HSCP working with older people. The preliminary findings of the review have been presented and discussed with older climate activists and HSCP in two focus groups.
5249 titles were screened and 17 were included. The results show that the literature focuses on climate disasters instead of slow-paced changes. The most explored enabling factor is social relationships, including emotional support. Behaviours enabling resilience are connecting with nature, establishing routines or reinstating previous habits. Cognitive dimensions explored are learning from past experiences, climate change education and finding meaning in daily activities. An interpretative framework and recommendations for HSCP training were derived from discussing the results with the stakeholder groups. This study identifies enabling factors for climate-change mental resilience to climate disasters that HSCP should consider when working with older people in the community as well as gaps in the field identified jointly with HSCP and older activists. These are discussed in relation to current theories on ageing and the implications for disaster preparedness.