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Wildfires and Older Adults: A Scoping Review of Impacts, Risks, and Interventions

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  • Colleen Cummings Melton

    (Graduate School of Social Work, University of Denver, Denver, CO 80210, USA)

  • Carson M. De Fries

    (Graduate School of Social Work, University of Denver, Denver, CO 80210, USA)

  • Rebecca M. Smith

    (Graduate School of Social Work, University of Denver, Denver, CO 80210, USA)

  • Lisa Reyes Mason

    (Graduate School of Social Work, University of Denver, Denver, CO 80210, USA)

Abstract

Climate change is leading to worsening disasters that disproportionately impact older adults. While research has begun to measure disparities, there is a gap in examining wildfire-specific disasters. To address this gap, this scoping review analyzed literature to explore the nexus of wildfires and older adults. We searched peer-reviewed literature using the following inclusion criteria: (1) published in a peer-reviewed journal; (2) available in English; (3) examines at least one topic related to wildfires; and (4) examines how criterion three relates to older adults in at least one way. Authors screened 261 titles and abstracts and 138 were reviewed in full, with 75 articles meeting inclusion criteria. Findings heavily focused on health impacts of wildfires on older adults, particularly of smoke exposure and air quality. While many articles mentioned a need for community-engaged responses that incorporate the needs of older adults, few addressed firsthand experiences of older adults. Other common topics included problems with evacuation, general health impacts, and Indigenous elders’ fire knowledge. Further research is needed at the nexus of wildfires and older adults to highlight both vulnerabilities and needs as well as the unique experience and knowledge of older adults to inform wildfire response strategies and tactics.

Suggested Citation

  • Colleen Cummings Melton & Carson M. De Fries & Rebecca M. Smith & Lisa Reyes Mason, 2023. "Wildfires and Older Adults: A Scoping Review of Impacts, Risks, and Interventions," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(13), pages 1-22, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:13:p:6252-:d:1182843
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Michelle McKemey & Emilie Ens & Yugul Mangi Rangers & Oliver Costello & Nick Reid, 2020. "Indigenous Knowledge and Seasonal Calendar Inform Adaptive Savanna Burning in Northern Australia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(3), pages 1-18, January.
    2. Alison Kitson, 2020. "Rising from the ashes: Affirming the spirit of courage, community resilience, compassion and caring," Journal of Clinical Nursing, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 29(15-16), pages 2765-2766, August.
    3. Kim, Younoh & Knowles, Scott & Manley, James & Radoias, Vlad, 2017. "Long-run health consequences of air pollution: Evidence from Indonesia's forest fires of 1997," Economics & Human Biology, Elsevier, vol. 26(C), pages 186-198.
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    Cited by:

    1. Winkler, Richelle L. & Mockrin, Miranda H., 2025. "Aging and Wildfire Risk to Communities," Economic Information Bulletin 352131, United States Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service.

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