Older adults represent the fastest growing demographic of the United States population. However, the elderly are insuffi ciently represented in studies examining the mental health impact of natural and man-made disasters. Social, cultural, and economic variables infl uence disaster-related mental health sequelae with a higher risk for morbidity and mortality among older adults due to physiologic factors, associated cognitive underpinnings, and chronic disease burden. Post-disaster mental health symptoms in elderly include sleep disturbance, irritability, acute stress reactions, depression, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), substance use, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Keywords Disaster exposure in older adults • Mental health • Behavioral changes • PTSD • Major depression • Generalized anxiety disorder IntroductionOlder adults represent the fastest growing demographic of the United States population. By the year 2025, the US Census Bureau projections indicate individuals aged 65 and above will comprise over 18 % of the USA population, with this