This research examines differential vulnerability to environmental stressors among white and black elderly and non-elderly disaster victims. The research identifies the determinants of psychosocial recovery for those four demographic groups. A total of 431 families who were victims of a tornado were interviewed for the study. A path model of the determinants of psychosocial recovery is presented, and observations are made regarding intervention strategies for older disaster victims.

This article analyzes the effects of chronological age of disaster victims on their responses to stress effects of natural disasters. Previous research is reviewed and major findings of that research are noted. Findings regarding disaster losses, physical impacts, aid utilization patterns, kinship relations, relative deprivation, social-psychological impacts, neglect of elderly disaster victims, and differential recovery rates by age are retested on new data. Data described herein were gathered using survey techniques in two disaster stricken communities in Texas. Elderly victims' responses to the tornadoes are compared to a nonelderly (under sixty years of age) group to assess differences. Findings of previous research were, in many instances, supported although certain divergences between the current findings and preceding findings are noted, particularly in rates of recovery.

In a statewide, regionally representative, random sample consisting of 1,724 older adults living independently in North Dakota, the prevalence of depression was found to be relatively low. Controlling for potential alcohol abuse, cognitive impairment, and medical problems, 5% of older adults reported current depressive symptomatology. When using a cutoff score that is likely to correspond to a diagnosis of major depression, the prevalence rate was 1.6%. Of those reporting significant levels of depression, only 27.6% were currently being treated for an emotional problem. The survey data suggested that cost, transportation, and concern about stigma are not major barriers to This study was supported by a grant from the Aging Services Division, North Dakota Department of Human Services, agreement #1-9201408.The authors wish to extend their gratitude to Marci Lee for organizing and coordinating the survey work; Carrie Kubacki for assisting with the background literature search and instrument construction; Holly Hegstad and Douglas Woods for providing data processing and analysis services;