Are older americans prepared for natural disasters? a nationwide survey

Background:Recent natural disasters have disproportionately affected older adults more than other population groups.The state of older adults' preparedness for such disasters has become an important public health concern. Purpose:To determine natural disaster preparedness levels among American older adults and assess personal and household characteristics and external factors that may adversely affect health and safety during such incidents. Methods:Adults aged fifty years or older (n=1304) were sampled from the 2010 interview survey of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS),a nationally representative cohort study of health, social and economic status.The survey gathered data on general demographic characteristics, disability status/functional limitations,and preparedness-related factors and behaviors.A general disaster preparedness score was calculated. Results:Participant (n = 1304) mean age was 70 years.We found substantial deficits in preparedness among American older adults.Only 34.3% reported participating in an educational program or reading materials about disaster preparation.Nearly 15% reported using electrically-powered medical devices that might be at risk in a power outage. Over one-third did not have a planned three-day supply of food,water and medications.Less than a quarter of respondents had an evacuation plan,and many did not have access to private transportation in the event of an evacuation.The preparedness score indicated that increasing age,physical disability,and lower educational attainment and income were independently and significantly associated with worse overall preparedness. Conclusions:Despite both greater vulnerability to disasters and continuous growth in the number of older American adults, many of the substantial problems discovered are remediable and require attention in the clinical,public health and emergency management sectors of society.