Risk and Resilience: How Is the Health of Older Adults and Immigrant People Living in Canada Impacted by Climate- and Air Pollution-Related Exposures?

McKenzie H. Tilstra, Ishwar Tiwari, Leigh Niwa, Sandra Campbell, Charlene C. Nielsen, C. Allyson Jones, Alvaro Osornio Vargas, Okan Bulut, Bernadette Quemerais, Jordana Salma, Kyle Whitfield and Shelby S. Yamamoto
Additional contact information
McKenzie H. Tilstra: School of Public Health, Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1C9, Canada
Ishwar Tiwari: School of Public Health, Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1C9, Canada
Leigh Niwa: Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G4, Canada
Sandra Campbell: School of Public Health, Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1C9, Canada
Charlene C. Nielsen: School of Public Health, Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1C9, Canada
C. Allyson Jones: Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G4, Canada
Alvaro Osornio Vargas: Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R7, Canada
Okan Bulut: Faculty of Education, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G5, Canada
Bernadette Quemerais: Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R7, Canada
Jordana Salma: Faculty of Nursing, Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1C9, Canada
Kyle Whitfield: School of Urban and Regional Planning, Faculty of Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton , AB T6G 2E3, Canada
Shelby S. Yamamoto: School of Public Health, Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1C9, Canada

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 20, 1-22

Abstract: Background: In the rapidly shifting Canadian climate, an ageing population, and increased migration, a greater understanding of how local climate and air pollution hazards impact older adults and immigrant populations will be necessary for mitigating and adapting to adverse health impacts. Objectives: To explore the reported health impacts of climate change and air pollution exposures in older adults and immigrant people living in Canada, identify known factors influencing risk and resilience in these populations and gaps in the literature. Methods: We searched for research focused on older adults and immigrants living in Canada, published from 2010 onward, where the primary exposures were related to climate or air pollution. We extracted data on setting, exposures, health outcomes, and other relevant contextual factors. Results and Discussion: We identified 52 eligible studies, most focused in Ontario and Quebec. Older people in Canada experience health risks due to climate and air pollution exposures. The extent of the risk depends on multiple factors. We found little information about the climate- and air pollution-related health impacts experienced by immigrant communities. Conclusions: Further research about climate- and air pollution-related exposures, health, and which factors promote or reduce resiliency in Canada’s older adults and immigrant communities is necessary.

Keywords: climate change; air pollution; health-impacts; older adults; immigrants (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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