Elders in Disasters: Psychological Issues

Earthquakes, tornadoes, floods, wildfires--whatever the disaster--may cause especially harsh problems for older adults. At the same time, these events also may spur positive, cooperative actions that tap the vast experience of those elders. This is the message of a new free guide designed to assist disaster workers attempting to help older Americans who may experience emotional and mental health consequences in the wake of cataclysmic events.

Issued by the U.S. Center for Mental Health Services of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHS) the publication, "Psychosocial Issues for Older Adults in Disasters: A Guide for Health and Mental Health Professionals," provides practical information on health, housing, social services and other needs during natural disasters or those like fires that are caused by people.

In addition, said samsha Administrator Nelba Chavez, the 68-page booklet "reminds those engaged in disaster relief that older Americans are not just victims of disaster to be helped, they also are resources with a wealth of experience and wisdom that may provide of benefit to disaster mental health response and recovery efforts."

Among aging-related services available are those provided by aging-network agencies funded in part by the federal Older Americans Act. The guide reports, "After the Northridge earthquake in California, for example, older residents in many of the 1,500 mobile homes in the area were having symptoms of panic, disorientation, fear, sleeplessness and anger. Thirteen senior centers became central points for phone calls, walk-ins and triage."

The guide reports that many elders in a disaster area are aware of helping networks--often because they volunteer for programs like meals-on-wheels or chore services--and can help disaster workers restore such services when they are disrupted. The booklet also notes that "65% of American Red Cross disaster volunteer workers are age 55 and above." In addition, it says, "Older persons are likely to have experienced major disruptions during their lifetimes. They can be a convincing voice in reassuring that 'this too will pass.'"

The guide's author is Bill Oriol, former staff director of the U.S. Senate Committee on Aging and currently a member of the Aging Today Editorial Board. The publication was developed by the Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS) with the National Council on the Aging, both in Washington, D.C.

Copies are available free through cmhs's National Mental Health Services Exchange Network (Knowledge Exchange Network), P.O. Box 42490, Washington DC 20015; toll-free information line: (800) 789-2647; TTY: (301) 443-9006; Fax: (301) 984-8796; website: www.mentalhealth.org.

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