Disaster preparedness among elderly latinos

Latinos are the largest and fastest growing racial/ethnic minority in the U.S. yet are often left out of mainstream messaging and are less prepared for disasters than the general population. Results from various studies assessing household preparedness have shown that while older adults are more prepared for disasters; racial/ethnic minorities are primarily less prepared than non-Hispanic whites. Socioeconomic disparities among the elderly Latino population only partially explain the lower levels of preparedness; therefore, there is a critical need for culturally appropriate, evidence-based approaches to increase preparedness, including an emphasis on health communication. Research reveals that those ages 65 and over are more prepared for disasters, however, this assertion does not apply to vulnerable, non-English speaking groups, such as Latinos. Findings from this study of 100 elderly Latinos (over 65) living in Los Angeles, California confirmed the unique awareness, risks perceptions, and disaster preparedness practices for this vulnerable population along with the utilization differences of disaster response resources among elderly Latinos. Recommended culturally appropriate, targeted education and outreach strategies to reduce the impact of natural disasters on the elderly Latino population will be shared.