Leaving no one behind in the era of climate change and digitalisation? Barriers to healthy and climate-friendly living among informal caregivers
Gesundheitswesen
DOI: 10.1055/a-2898-4159
Informal caregivers play a crucial role in supporting older adults, yet they
often face challenges that compromise their own health and well-being,
particularly in family-based care regimes like Austria. These challenges
leave little room for adopting ecologically sustainable behaviours, calling
for societal strategies to address climate change without adding pressure.
We examined barriers in areas linked to the “triple win” of health
promotion, climate mitigation, and social inclusion, and explored the role
of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs).Data were collected in 2024 from a non-probability sample of Austrian
caregivers on social contacts, mobility, nutrition, and digital device use.
We present descriptive results.Unpaid caregiving responsibilities reshaped daily routines and challenged
health and sustainability (N=204, 81% females; mean age 58±13 years): 15–20%
of participants were at risk of social isolation, 54% reported fewer social
interactions. Awareness of healthy diets increased partially, but 26% had
less time to eat. Mobility patterns showed strong car reliance with higher
weekly travel demands (69%). Internet and ICT were used for communication
daily (72%).Mobility and nutrition offer high co-benefit potential, but structural
changes, not individual responsibility, are key. ICT tools should complement
in person engagement to leverage positive aspects of caregiving for
climate-health co-benefits.
[...]
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Oswald-Hesse-Straße 50, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany
Article in Thieme eJournals:
Table of contents | Abstract | open access Full text