Variables Associated with Effects on Morbidity in Older Adults Following Disasters

Conclusion Older adults are at a known risk for increased morbidity during and shortly after disasters and catastrophic events, especially in the presence of multiple co-morbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, stroke, and heart disease. Other factors, such as the need for prescription medications, low social support, visual and hearing impairment, impaired mobility, and poor economic status, have also been associated with an increased risk of negative health outcomes. The utilization of existing databases of older adults’ vulnerabilities and the measurement of the prevalence of these risk factors in the community may enhance disaster research and response methodologies and decrease disaster-related morbidities.
Source: PLOS Currents Disasters - Category: Global & Universal Authors: Source Type: research