Our Story

Growing up and seeing older persons living in harmony with nature was a wonder! They were environmentally engaged; they told stories about how wonderful nature's gift of forests, wetlands, and their role in the regulation of climate, which sustained life. There is still nostalgia for the days when older persons and youth would go to the forests to hunt, harvest fruits, and medicinal plants, among others. This is no more, as the forests have been degraded, and with the advance of climate change, older persons are finding it hard to believe that what they cherished so much in the past is gone. It has exacerbated psychological problems (anxiety and depression) in older adults. Older adults are particularly vulnerable to the mental health impacts of climate change due to factors like pre-existing health conditions, cognitive decline, and reduced mobility, which can limit their ability to adapt to extreme weather events. The older person also suffers from posttraumatic stress symptoms, as well as sleep disturbances, in the aftermath of climate disasters.

It is against this background that Mercy Care Elderly Home Elderly (MCEH) was born to combine psychosocial support with climate change solutions, involving integrating mental health and well-being support into climate action initiatives. This approach recognizes that climate change impacts not only physical environments but also the mental health of individuals and communities. By addressing both the psychological and practical aspects of climate change, this integrated approach can lead to more effective and sustainable solutions.