Medium-Term Health of Seniors Following Exposure to a Natural Disaster

Abstract

The article aims to describe the medium-term impacts of a major earthquake event (Chile, February 27, 2010) on 26 seniors. The authors adopted a qualitative study approach. Data obtained using the Impact of Event Scale–Revised (IES-R) show the presence of manifestations of posttraumatic stress in the majority of respondents. In addition, data collected in interviews demonstrated a progressive deterioration of the health of respondents over a period of 4 years following the disaster. Seniors are particularly vulnerable to the effects of material loss, emotional stress, and postdisaster health complications. These impacts are exacerbated by low economic status. Furthermore, broader research is necessary involving elderly living in poverty who have survived natural disasters and others without such experiences, in order to better identify and differentiate between health complications associated with exposure to disaster events and those linked more strictly with natural aging processes.

Seniors Who Experienced the Lac-Mégantic Train Derailment Tragedy: What Are the Consequences on Physical and Mental Health?

“…These seniors feel that they have better relationships with those around them, see new opportunities, enjoy life even more, and have deepened their spiritual lives. Similar findings have also been noted in other studies of consequences of disasters on personal, family, and social lives of seniors (Labra, Maltais, & Gingras-Lacroix, 2018). In this regard, the fact that very few seniors discovered new strengths can be explained by the fact that their life experiences have led to a stronger confidence in themselves, a self-confidence gained before the disaster, allowing them to believe in their abilities to master difficulties.…”

Early intervention to risk groups with the QR code system in disasters

“…The majority of the 465 people who died during the Chicago heat wave in 1995 were over the age of 75 (Gibson and Hayunga, 2006). Labra et al (2018), examined the factors that cause an increased risk of death during a heat wave for people aged 65 and over, pointing out that there are factors such as living alone, social isolation, inadequate air conditioning systems, living in the upper floors of apartments, and other housing features. In order to evaluate the post-disaster situation of the elderly, HelpAge International interviewed 300 elderly women and men, some of the elderly stated that they were indifferent to them and their opinions were not taken into account in case of disasters and emergencies, and some reported that they did not receive adequate humanitarian aid.…”

“…In order to evaluate the post-disaster situation of the elderly, HelpAge International interviewed 300 elderly women and men, some of the elderly stated that they were indifferent to them and their opinions were not taken into account in case of disasters and emergencies, and some reported that they did not receive adequate humanitarian aid. Half of the interviewed elderly reported feeling anxious and hopeless (Labra et al, 2018). A nationwide telephone interview survey was conducted with 1648 elderly people in the USA in 2005 by AARP and Harris Interactive, approximately 13% of elderly people aged 50 and over stated that they would not be able to evacuate from their homes in case of natural disasters without help, 46% stated that they needed help from outsiders, 67% stated that they needed help from outside.…”

Disasters and the Disablement Process framework: an analysis of the great east Japan earthquake and tsunami of 2011

“…Elderly individuals are not only likely to die during a disaster, but they are also likely to suffer adverse consequences pertaining to physical and psychological health after an event. Labra, Maltais, and Gingras‐Lacroix (2018) conducted in‐person interviews over four years with 26 senior citizens from the region most directly affected by the earthquake in Chile in 2010. Major psychological problems reported by the respondents included panic, stupefaction, and terror.…”