Emergency Preparedness Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults: Risk and Protective Factors

Abstract

ABSTRACT Recent increases in natural (e.g. extreme weather) and human-caused (e.g. industrial accidents) have raised concerns for public health and safety. Older adults face greater vulnerability and are often less prepared for these emergencies. Applying the risk and protective factor model, this study explored factors associated with emergency preparedness among older people living in the community. We analyzed cross-sectional secondary data obtained from the National Poll on Healthy Aging to compare factors associated with emergency preparedness among community-dwelling older people aged 60–69 (n = 383) and 70–80 (n = 370). Results showed that among all community-dwelling older adults, having previously discussed evacuation plans with family or friends was associated with a higher level of emergency preparedness. Among those aged 60–69, experience with an emergency in the past year was associated with a higher level of emergency preparedness, whereas living alone and having a Hispanic background were associated with a lower level of emergency preparedness. For those aged 70–80, higher perceived mental health was associated with a higher level of emergency preparedness. Implications focus on shifting the perspective of the disproportional risks for older adults around emergencies to one that values and supports older adults’ strengths and insights.