Independent-Living Senior Communities in Disaster: Self-Efficacy and Trust in Responding Agencies

Abstract

Abstract Human security and vulnerability theoretical frameworks are utilized to examine willingness of seniors living in independent living centers (ILCs) in two counties of southern New Jersey (United States) to follow voluntary and mandatory evacuation orders from a number of sources. The sample, mostly White (73.3%) and female (81.8%) indicated the most willingness to follow both categories of orders when delivered by military, law enforcement, and/or fire officials. The least level of willingness was noted with orders delivered by neighbors, church leaders, and media (TV and radio) outlets. No significant difference was found based on county residency, level of preparedness, or previous evacuation experience. Those with previous disaster experience, however, indicated a significantly increased willingness to follow voluntary evacuation orders from military or National Guard, fire department, and the state governor. No significant association was found between willingness to evacuate and self-reported generalized self-efficacy. A human security framework is suggested to be beneficial for analysis given the potential for increased community frustration, anger, or anxiety based on physical, social, and economic vulnerabilities identified for senior communities.