ClimateMind50+: Development and validation through cognitive interviews of a questionnaire to measure climate change knowledge, concerns, and actions in older adults.

Abstract

Background and aim: Older adults are particularly vulnerable to climate-related hazards such as extreme heat, flooding, and severe storms, yet their perspectives and contributions to climate resilience remain underrepresented in research. The ClimateMind50+ questionnaire is a tailored instrument to assess the knowledge, concerns, preparedness, behaviours, and involvement of individuals aged 50 and above.

Methods: The systematic development of the ClimateMind50+ involved rigorous cognitive testing with 15 diverse participants, ensuring clarity, accessibility, and relevance. Review by experts helped to refine its content and ensure its comprehensiveness. Designed for versatility in administration (face-to-face, via telephone, or self-completion) to facilitate its integration across various research contexts.

Results: Experts' input led to refinements to ensure the questionnaire effectively captures older adults knowledge, concerns, preparedness, and involvement in climate action while making it more accessible. Cognitive testing highlighted the need for clear wording, simplified response scales, and age-appropriate framing of questions. For instance, questions on climate preparedness and sustainable practices were refined to capture lifetime actions ("ever") rather than limited timeframes, enhancing their relevance for older respondents.

Conclusions: By providing nuanced insights into the experiences of older adults and their potential contributions to climate mitigation and adaptation, the ClimateMind50+ offers a robust foundation for climate change research among older people. Its deployment can support policymaking and community initiatives aimed at reducing climate risks while promoting sustainable and healthy aging practices. This innovative tool underscores the importance of amplifying the voices of older adults in climate discourse and harnessing their capacities for fostering resilience.