Older Adults’ Responses to Hurricane Katrina

Abstract

Using the stress and coping model, this article explores how older adults prepared for and coped with the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Interviews with a sample of 122 displaced adults, 60 years of age or older, provided insights regarding the daily hassles they faced that included securing basic resources, facing communication difficulties, and finding transportation. Positive thinking, modified thinking, staying busy, and spirituality were categories that emerged from the qualitative analysis of 119 participants and explained coping by displaced older adults. Our findings reflect what and how older adults coped with a disaster and have implications for disaster preparedness.

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“…Rather, they are caused by the disaster. These problems include different types of injuries (sprain or strains, fractures, lacerations), falling, trauma, dehydration, dangerous changes in blood pressure, physical impairment, lack of mobility, severe physical fatigue, headache, and stomachache (2,15,22,32,33,40,41,43,46,49). Some studies reported the possibility of falling or injuries after evacuation (2,22,32,33,46,49).…”

“…First, problems such as poor weather, lack of food and water, and stress are caused directly by disaster conditions (8,22,29,33,49). Second, problems related to an interruption in the continuity of medical services are an issue (25,38,42).…”

“…Second, problems related to an interruption in the continuity of medical services are an issue (25,38,42). Third, sometimes although services are available, emergency providers focus more on basic needs and there is ignorance or reluctance to deal with pre-existing medical problems (25,29,31,37,49).…”

“…They should also carry out environmental assessment and modification activities and provide assistive devices for older adults in a reasonable time (2,22,32,33,46,49).…”

“…On the other hand, deprivation of resources among older adults after disasters can be related to the lack of elderly physical ability and lack of communication; some supporting mechanisms such as formal supporting mechanisms can be useful in ensuring the access of older adults to resources (9,19,32,49).…”