Review Paper:
Understanding
the Vulnerability, Resilience and Quality of Life of older adults during natural
disasters
Guddo and Ramesh B.
Disaster Advances; Vol. 15(6); 54-58;
doi: https://doi.org/10.25303/1506da054058; (2022)
Abstract
Globally, disasters constantly challenge the capacity of humans to adapt to its
consequences and endure the impact. It comprises a range of impacts including loss
of life and properties, risk of mental health issues like post-traumatic stress
disorder, depression, grief, anxiety etc. The disaster risk relies upon the individual’s
exposure to disaster vulnerability and resilience. It also includes the needs of
a vulnerable population including older adults and the presence of secondary stressors
within the affected community. Therefore, older adults are found to be a highly
vulnerable age group during every disaster. Especially in developing countries,
older adults face numerous issues and challenges due to inadequate disaster infrastructure
and response, which are often associated with poor quality of life outcomes.
The present study tries to conceptualize the significance of disaster vulnerability,
resilience as a decisive factor for the quality of life (QoL) of older adults in
the natural disaster. Further, the current study highlights the functional relationship
between disaster phases, vulnerability, resilience, psychosocial factors and preparedness
measures to ensure a better quality of life for older adults.
