Psychological and Emotional Stress in Elderly During Natural Disasters

Introduction

The effect of natural disasters on the elderly has become a focus of research and concern in the last decade. One of the reasons for this is that the number of older people is increasing both nationally and worldwide. The World Health Organization estimates that "200 million of the 355 million people older than 65 years are in the developing world" (Care for the growing number of elderly people in developing countries needs to be addressed). In the United States, the percentage of people aged 65 or older increased from 4 percent in 1900 to approximately 13 percent in the late 1990s. In 1900, only about 3 million Americans had reached age 65; by 1998, that number had grown to approximately 34 million. Population experts estimate that more than 50 million Americans — roughly 17 percent of the population — will be 65 or older by 2020 (Old age).

Studies have focused on the fact that the elderly experience certain identifiable and particular stress factors and vulnerabilities in the face of natural disasters. "We must acknowledge that certain vulnerabilities exist among many elders and that these vulnerabilities are likely to intensify at times of disaster and during the often lengthy recovery process" (Oriol W.). The recognition of older people's vulnerability to disaster is evidenced by the collaboration between the Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS) and the National Council on the Aging (NCOA), which brought an important resource to communities to improve crisis counseling for the elderly (Oriol W.). There is, therefore, a growing body of research that mirrors the concern about the effects of emotional and psychological stress on the elderly during natural disasters.

Vulnerability and Anxiety in Older Adults

One of the central aspects affecting emotional and psychological stress in this age group is the feeling of vulnerability in the event of natural disasters. This is especially the case for those above seventy-five years of age (Oriol W.). This sense of vulnerability, and the concomitant high levels of anxiety and stress, has many contributing factors. Stress in the face of natural disasters can also be exacerbated by a strong sense of personal loss that intensifies with age in many cases.

For example, the feeling of isolation and vulnerability that can lead to anxiety and stress is often increased by the actual circumstances of the elderly person, who may be living alone or without a support network. As Oriol W. notes, "An older person who lives alone may be plunged into despair or apathy if it appears that disaster help is available only at distant emergency centers." Social isolation thus functions as both a pre-existing stressor and a factor that compounds the psychological impact of disaster events.

Physical and Cognitive Risk Factors

There are numerous vulnerability factors that can increase stress and anxiety in the elderly during dire situations. The common physical decline associated with old age may result in forms of sensory deprivation, which tend to intensify stress during and after a disaster. As Oriol W. states, "Older persons' sense of smell, touch, vision, and hearing are likely to be less acute than that of the general population, causing potential difficulties in emergencies." This diminished sensory capacity may lead to numerous stressful and psychologically anxious situations in the course of a disaster.

An important consideration is that elderly people are frequently more susceptible to — and often already suffer from — emotional and psychological conditions such as various forms of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. These pre-existing conditions can be significantly exacerbated by the onset of a natural disaster (Oriol W.), making timely and appropriately tailored mental health intervention especially critical for this population.

Conclusion

All of the above factors emphasize that natural disasters can increase and exacerbate stress and anxiety in the elderly, potentially leading to serious psychological issues. Perceptions and feelings of vulnerability have been identified as an important contributing factor. At the same time, it is important to recognize that studies also show older people can be more resilient to natural disasters than is commonly assumed. This resilience can be attributed to adaptive factors and coping strategies developed over a lifetime. The dual reality of heightened vulnerability and demonstrated resilience underscores the need for disaster preparedness and crisis counseling programs that are specifically tailored to the needs of older adults.

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