Climate Change and Suicidal Behavior in Older Adults: Determinants, Associated Factors, and Risk Factors: A Systematic Literature Review

Vollständiger Abstract

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Background: Climate change is being recognized as a factor associated with increased suicidal behavior, especially in the older adult population. Extreme temperatures, thermal anomalies, and intense weather events can amplify pre-existing physical, psychological, and social vulnerabilities, increasing the risk of suicidal ideation and behavior in older adults. Objectives: This systematic review aims to map the literature on the relationship between climate change and suicidal behavior in older people, identifying risk and protective factors, as well as the prevention and intervention strategies aimed at this age group. Methods: A systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. The literature search was performed in the EBSCO PsycINFO, Scopus and MEDLINE (PubMed) databases in the period 2007–2025, using combinations of the keywords “climate change”, “global warming”, “older adults”, “elderly”, “suicide”, “suicidal ideation” and related terms. Out of 35 studies, 16 articles were included in the final analysis. Results: Five thematic areas emerged from the analysis of the studies: (1) risk factors, (2) protective factors, (3) sociodemographic factors, (4) prevention and intervention strategies and (5) variables associated with suicidal behavior. Across the included studies, suicidal ideation, non-fatal attempts, and suicide mortality were examined with differing frequency and are reported separately in the thematic synthesis rather than pooled, reflecting the heterogeneity of outcome definitions and study designs. Significant limitations in the literature remain, including the paucity of longitudinal studies, the widespread use of aggregate data and the limited integration of environmental, social, and psychological factors. Conclusions: Climate change and extreme weather events may contribute to suicidal behavior in older adults. It is therefore necessary to develop multidimensional approaches that address structural vulnerabilities and promote the active role of older adults in climate resilience and social cohesion.