Challenges faced by older people in emergencies

Restricted mobility and increased vulnerability

Older age brings reduced mobility and muscle strength, impaired sight and hearing and greater vulnerability to heat and cold. Minor conditions can quickly become major handicaps that overwhelm a person's ability to cope.

When communities flee to safety, many frail or housebound older people are less able or willing to flee quickly or protect themselves from harm. Older people can struggle to obtain food, travel long distances or even endure periods without shelter. When they do flee, many people in later life cannot move as quickly as others; nor are they strong enough to carry many possessions.

Inappropriate food

Emergency food distribution programmes are often targeted at women and children.  They are rarely adjusted to include the particular needs of older people and their speficic dietary requirements. Older people need micronutrients, protein and food that is easy to digest.

Rations can be too heavy to carry; packaging too difficult to open. Food aid can be difficult to prepare if people do not have cooking utensils. Many older people report being pushed out of the way by more able-bodied people. 

Inadequate healthcare

Immediately following a disaster, health services must focus on first aid. However, in the medium term, health services need to respond to the ongoing needs of older people. Walking sticks and frames, hearing aids and glasses can make all the difference in enabling older people to reach distribution points, access assistance, prepare food or collect firewood for cooking or heating.

People in later life also need healthcare for the treatment of chronic conditions that are more prevalent in older age, such as coronary heart disease, diabetes, stroke, respiratory illnesses, rheumatism and dementia. These conditions deteriorate without routine assessment and treatment.

Trauma and isolation

Loss of family members, carers and community ties can leave older people isolated. Many older people live alone, especially widowed women. For many survivors, the most difficult aspect of disaster is coping with day-to-day life afterwards. Some older people report feeling depressed at losing the status they once had in their community.

Loss of livelihoods

80% of older people in developing countries have no regular income. Less than 5% receive a pension. Many older people have no choice but to work until the day they die. However, older people are often excluded from 'cash for work' recovery programmes because most aid agencies target younger adults. Micro-credit and other activities that can help older people earn a living are often planned without considering their capabilities.