History, memory, and disasters among older adults: A life course perspective.

Abstract

This article is based on a review of a growing literature that examines disasters as experienced globally by older adults. The authors utilize a life course perspective that allows them to view the impact of experiencing a disaster for individuals within the context of their life experiences, memories, values, and views. The authors urge consideration of how individual and social history and memory affect the experience, coping strategies, and effects of disasters on older adults. The analysis is organized by the following four themes derived from the literature: (a) physical impact, (b) psychological impact, (c) social support issues, and (d) predictors of mental health distress. The authors highlight the challenges and issues of disasters, specifically for the aging population, including age, gender, and coping styles.

Health-Related Quality of Life in Older Coastal Residents After Multiple Disasters

“…4 Older adults with prior hurricane experience may possess effective problem-solving skills and coping strategies that could be positively impactful in future disaster preparation and relief planning. 13,34 Frail older adults in the community and those with reduced health status in assistedliving or nursing home facilities may need special assistance for evacuation safety and post-disaster relocation, 35,36 an important consideration for future disaster and emergency preparedness planning.…”

Traumatic Stress and Long-Term Recovery

“…In fact, review studies on older adults found inconclusive results regarding the long-lasting effect of trauma (Böttche, Kuwert, & Knaevelsrud, 2012;Shenk et al, 2009). In the chapter, we further pursue the psychological-developmental perspective in order to examine the mechanisms that mingle issues of trauma and aging.…”

“…First, maturity stems from experience. Most older adults experienced in their lifetime successful coping with harsh challenges that strengthened their sense of resilience (Shenk et al, 2009), optimized the buffering effect of these successes for emotionally hard times (Blazer & Hybels, 2005), and provided useful lessons concerning how to tackle traumatic events at hand (Hyer & Sacks, 2008). Apart from relying on beneficial experience, maturity overlaps the notion of wisdom in the ability to acknowledge the complexities of life as well as facilitates a positive outlook of hope and happiness ; see also Chap.…”

“…Due to the demographically expanding segment of older individuals in the population, it becomes even more imperative to better understand what characterizes traumatic and posttraumatic reactions in old age (Shenk, Ramos, Kalaw, & Tufan, 2009). Moreover, it is questioned whether the fusion of traumatic experiences and aging processes can be explained in terms of positive human adaptation.…”

Multi-disciplinary Care for the Elderly in Disasters: An Integrative Review

“…9,12,16,19,21,53 Religion and charitable works (volunteering) were two common types of coping. z Adequacy of support systems, self-efficacy, and maintaining social connections were important for overall ability to cope.…”