Disaster Public Health and Older People

Older people face specific vulnerabilities in physical, mental and social well-being in disasters. They are likely to experience socio-economic marginalization, isolation, inaccessible information, and lack of relevant post emergency support services during disasters. On the other hand, older people can significantly contribute to disaster preparedness, response and recovery; but their capacities are often under-utilized. Disaster Public Health and Older People introduces professionals, students and fieldworkers to the science and art of promoting health and well-being, preventing diseases and prolonging life among the elderly in the context of humanitarian emergencies, with a particular focus on low and middle-income country settings.

Drawing on a range of case studies from around the world, the book aims to provide readers with a strong theoretical underpinning, whilst also empowering them to take the actions necessary at the individual, community and national levels to reduce the health risk to the elderly posed by the increasing frequency and intensity of disaster, in particular those resulting from natural hazards. Topics covered range from the health impact of disasters on the elderly and response to post-disaster health needs of the elderly, to disaster preparedness, healthy ageing, global policy developments, and the contributions of the elderly in disaster contexts.

This book looks to make lessons learnt from previous disasters available and comprehensible to students and professionals working in disaster medicine, disaster public health, humanitarian studies, gerontology and geriatrics.