Factors associated with climate change worry in older adults: a multidimensional health perspective

Climate change worry is increasingly recognized as a significant psychological response to environmental threats; however, research in older adults has largely focused on climate-related anxiety or isolated health outcomes. Studies examining climate change worry from a multidimensional health perspective are limited, particularly among older adults living in communities. This study aimed to investigate the relationships between climate change worry and multidimensional health characteristics in older adults. A cross-sectional study included 148 community-dwelling older adults in Türkiye. Participants were assessed using the Climate Change Worry Scale, Standardized Mini Mental State Examination (SMMSE), Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS), World Health Organization Well-Being Index (WHO-5), Geriatric Depression Scale–15 items (GDS-15), and International Physical Activity Questionnaire–Short Form (IPAQ-SF). Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to examine factors associated with climate change worry. The overall regression model was statistically significant (R² = 0.221, F (9,138) = 4.36, p < 0.001). Higher AIS scores (β = 0.279, p = 0.004), higher education level (β = 0.193, p = 0.027), and living in urban areas (β =-0.173, p = 0.039) were significantly associated with greater climate change worry. Age was negatively associated with climate change worry (β =-0.164, p = 0.044), indicating lower worry in older participants. SMMSE, WHO-5, GDS-15, IPAQ-SF, and sex were not significantly associated with climate change worry in the present model. Among community-dwelling older adults, climate change worry was associated with specific sociodemographic and lifestyle-related factors, including sleep quality, educational level, urban residence, and age. In the present model, cognitive status, general well-being, depressive symptoms, and physical activity were not significantly associated with climate change worry. These findings support the need for further research on climate-related concern in later life, particularly in relation to contextual factors.