Approach to Psychological Emergencies in Older Adults After Natural Disasters

Natural disasters are major events of natural origin that have adverse physical, social, psychological, and economic impacts on individuals and societies. Since the mid-twentieth century, there has been a rapid increase in the number of natural disaster events and the resulting mortality and economic damage. In addition to causing widespread physical destruction and economic losses, natural disasters cause injury, death, and psychosocial harm, and are among the most serious problems facing humanity. Age-related decreases in physiological reserves, individual capacity, adaptation to stressors, strength, and endurance make older adults fragile. Although the risks brought about by disasters affect nearly everyone in a population, older adults are one of the most vulnerable groups and are more severely and adversely affected. Thus, older adults need to be specifically addressed and protected during disasters. One of the important effects of disasters is the psychosocial problems they create for society and individuals. This chapter discusses the most common psychiatric disorders in older adults after a disaster, which are acute stress disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety disorders, depression, sleep disorder, and suicide.

Journal

NATURAL DISASTERS AND OLDER ADULTS

Year

2024

Pages

13-20

WoS UID

WOS:001552412200004