Environmental sustainability in an aging society: a research agenda.
OBJECTIVE
This article presents the results of a multidisciplinary consensus conference held to recommend a research agenda on the relationship between aging and environmental sustainability and conservation. The intersection of these two topics has important implications for the health and well-being of older persons but it has thus far received little scientific attention.


METHODS
The consensus conference was conducted with gerontological experts from various disciplines and environmental scientists. Using a structured methodology, participants achieved consensus on recommendations for a research agenda on aging and environmental sustainability.


RESULTS
Eight major recommendations for research are detailed in this article as well as cross-cutting research themes affecting all areas, including racial and economic diversity, geographical region, cohort, and intergenerational linkages.


CONCLUSIONS
Given the vulnerability of older persons to environmental threats detailed by the consensus conference, conferees recommended that research on these topics be urgently promoted, both by researchers and by funding agencies.
Pillemer
Karl
K
Department of Human Development, MVR Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA. kap6@cornell.edu
Wells
Nancy M
NM
Wagenet
Linda P
LP
Meador
Rhoda H
RH
Parise
Jennifer T
JT
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D057231:Climate Change; D003245:Consensus Statements as Topic; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D005853:Geriatrics / Q000639:trends*; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D012106:Research; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012941:Social Responsibility; D014838:Volunteers