Climatic Risk, Infrastructural Fragility and Ageing: A Qualitative Study of Older Adults’ Experiences in Kashmir (India)

Climate change has increasingly emerged as a significant factor affecting the health and well-being of people worldwide. It has resulted in more unpredictable weather events, often marked by extreme heat during summers and severe cold during winters, eventually leading to increased health risks and a decline in the overall well-being of people. While its impact is widespread across all age groups, older adults are especially vulnerable because of age-related limitations, and existing vulnerabilities. In Kashmir, a division in the UT of India, these challenges are further aggravated by poor housing conditions, inadequate heating facilities, and limited access to basic infrastructure. Against this backdrop, the present study examines how climate change shapes the lived experiences, health, and well-being of older adults in Kashmir. The study adopts a qualitative research design, drawing on 22 in-depth oral narratives collected over time from older adults residing in the district of Srinagar of the UT of J&K who have experienced the impacts of climatic variability on their daily lives. The findings reveal that climate change has significantly deteriorated the quality of life of older adults by exacerbating health conditions such as respiratory illnesses, arthritis, and cardiovascular problems, while also restricting mobility and access to basic services. Additionally, the study highlights how these conditions increase caregiving burdens within families, often leading to emotional stress and neglect of older individuals.