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Disaster Planning for Community-Dwelling Older Adults: Strengths, Weaknesses, and Interventions

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Disaster Preparedness for Seniors

Abstract

Older adults with diminished physical, cognitive, and economic resources are more vulnerable to adverse consequences than others during and after disasters. Disaster preparedness is a matter of critical concern as the population of older adults grows at the same time that hazardous events are occurring with greater frequency and severity across the country. Disaster planners must implement procedures for identifying the most vulnerable older adults so they can provide adequate and appropriate assistance. Several states and communities have developed promising models, such as recruiting active, involved older adults to identify and assist their less able older neighbors. This chapter reviews the existing literature and provides an overview of new and developing practices designed to strengthen existing systems and protect the well-being of elders.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Aging Studies, College of Behavioral and Community Sciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA

    Lindsay Peterson M.S. & Lisa M. Brown Ph.D.

Authors
  1. Lindsay Peterson M.S.
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  2. Lisa M. Brown Ph.D.
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Correspondence to Lisa M. Brown Ph.D. .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. School of Medicine, Louisiana State University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

    Charles A. Cefalu

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Peterson, L., Brown, L.M. (2014). Disaster Planning for Community-Dwelling Older Adults: Strengths, Weaknesses, and Interventions. In: Cefalu, C. (eds) Disaster Preparedness for Seniors. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-0665-9_3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-0665-9_3

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4939-0664-2

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4939-0665-9

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