A recent Ohio State University study found that many older adults are unprepared for extreme weather events.
Elderly people are often the most vulnerable to severe weather, particularly if they live alone, have a low income, or live in rural areas.
What’s happening?
According to Great Lakes Now, the university survey included more than 1,400 people aged 65 and up. Approximately one-fifth of those polled said they were unprepared or uncertain about their severe weather readiness.
The researchers examined the responses of older adults living in eight counties. The results varied significantly by county, with those in the poorest and most rural areas feeling the least prepared.
Following severe weather events, respondents expressed concerns about their ability to attend doctor appointments and obtain prescription medications.
Why is older adult preparedness important?
The research study focused on Central Ohio, which has recently experienced a number of extreme weather events. Last year, Ohio experienced a record-breaking 73 tornadoes.
Severe thunderstorms, prolonged heat waves, flooding, and extreme temperatures also endanger Ohio seniors. The risks are greater for older adults who struggle with mobility, temperature regulation, and preexisting medical conditions.
As extreme storms become more common in Ohio and elsewhere, human survival depends on being prepared. According to research, the number of older adults exposed to dangerous heat will double by 2050.
Meanwhile, seniors who have been displaced by extreme weather events face disproportionately difficult challenges in finding affordable and accessible housing after the storms.
“Central Ohio has been wrongly known as a climate haven,” said Smitha Rao, an Ohio State social work professor. “And now we have data to show that people are facing disruptions.”
What’s being done to keep older adults safe from disasters?
Studies like this highlight the need for increased investment and attention to keeping older adults safe in our communities.
Cities and states can proactively prepare storm shelters and emergency resources to assist seniors during and after severe weather events. They can also promote public awareness campaigns about extreme weather risks and target senior populations through media that they are familiar with and trust.
As an older adult or to assist senior loved ones, you can help by establishing multiple ways to receive weather information, such as apps, radios, and TV news, in the event of service disruptions.
It is also recommended that you create a weather preparedness kit that includes essential documents, medications, batteries, water, food, and a flashlight.
Conversations about storm preparedness with elderly relatives and neighbors can strengthen social support networks and encourage seniors to seek assistance when necessary.
Checking in on older adults after severe weather events can also help ensure they have the supplies and transportation they need to stay safe and healthy.
