“WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER!”: AN INQUIRY ON THE PERSONAL NETWORKS OF SELECTED OLDER ADULTS IN POST-HAIYAN DISASTER

Abstract

We have seen a considerable increase in the number of natural disasters worldwide. There are hurricanes, earthquakes, landslides, drought, tsunami among others that have affected us in recent years. Because of climate changes, these calamities have become more severe and destructive. Unfortunately, the perils of these disasters are almost always borne by those in the vulnerable sectors of the society. One of the at-risks sectors is the elderly community. With the world becoming aged and mature, it is essential to look into the well-being of older adults especially in disaster situations. The author believes that cultivating their personal networks will help safeguard the elders’ welfare. This study, consequently, explores on the personal connections of selected older adults in post-disaster community in Tacloban, a city ravaged by super typhoon (ST) Haiyan in 2013. Using focused interviews, findings revealed that older adults remain steadfast and positive on the impacts of ST Haiyan. Because of their personal ties with their families, relatives, the local community, city government, NGOs, and the church, they were able to seek help and support from their networks, which, in effect nurtured resilience in them. It is hoped that through this study, personal networks will be fostered and capitalized to enable, engage, and empower elders in catastrophic conditions.