Four European typologies of older adults concerning environmental sustainability
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Transforming our societies towards a more sustainable future requires a good understanding of their citizens. This is of particular importance when considering the phenomenon of population ageing, which means that older people will constitute a significant share of society. The imperative for sustainable development arises from escalating concerns over environmental issues, necessitating tailored interventions for the heterogeneous group of older individuals. In this research, data collected using the SustainABLE-8 in Poland, North Macedonia, Romania, the Netherlands and Israel (N = 2318) were analysed in order to identify European typologies and their drivers for - and contributions to - sustainable practices. Several items of the SustainABLE-8 concerned (limiting) energy use at home as well as attitudes towards the use of sustainable energy and climate change. The study identified the existence of four major typologies, which differ in terms of their financial position, beliefs and behaviours in relation to the environment. These typologies cover 1) inactive people with limited financial resources, 2) inactive believers, 3) active and belief-driven people with limited financial resources, and 4) active and belief-driven people with financial resources. Each typology is separately discussed in terms of its specificities and ways how local governments could support their pro-environmental behaviours. The research is summarised with practical implications for industry, policymakers and environmental, social and governance strategies. • This study fills a gap in the understanding of sustainability and older people. • Country-specific analysis reveals a unique set of diverse sustainability typologies. • The four sustainability typologies show distinctive demographics and attitudes. • Typologies offer practical insights for efficient environmental policies.
Language: English
Subfield: Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Climate action
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $5,020
Funders: Hague University of Applied Sciences, European Commission, European Cooperation in Science and Technology, Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, Narodowe Centrum Nauki, Unitatea Executiva pentru Finantarea Invatamantului Superior, a Cercetarii, Dezvoltarii si Inovarii, Horizon 2020 Framework Programme, Horizon 2020, Nationaal Regieorgaan Praktijkgericht Onderzoek SIA
OpenAlex ID: W4405807534