A recent study, conducted with a sense of urgency, focused on emergency preparedness among older adults in central Ohio. It has brought to light significant vulnerabilities to extreme weather events. According to findings published in the International Journal of Disaster Risk Science, nearly 1 in 5 older adults in the region reported being unprepared for emergencies or unsure about their readiness. This is particularly concerning as older adults face heightened risks during disasters. Smitha Rao, lead author and assistant professor of social work at The Ohio State University, stressed that despite Ohio’s historical perception as relatively safe from extreme weather, climate change projections indicate increasing risks such as heavy rainfall, extreme heatwaves, and air pollution.
Based on data from the 2021 Central Ohio Regional Assessment on Aging (CORAA) Survey, the study included 1,417 adults aged 65 and older across eight counties. It revealed that 78% of respondents were adequately prepared for emergencies, 13% were not, and 9% were uncertain. Preparedness levels varied significantly by county, with factors like lower income, living in subsidised housing, and having disabilities correlating with lower readiness. For example, in Fayette County, where socioeconomic vulnerabilities were pronounced—such as a median income under $40,000 and high rates of subsidised housing and disability—only 68% of older adults were prepared compared to 94% in Union County.
Weather-related disruptions disproportionately affected older adults in Fayette County. Residents reported missing health appointments or being unable to access essential services, work, or social activities due to severe weather conditions. These disruptions underscored the lack of robust social and economic support systems for vulnerable populations during emergencies. Holly Dabelko-Schoeny, co-investigator and professor of social work at Ohio State’s Age-Friendly Innovation Center, highlighted the implications for policymakers and service providers in ensuring adequate support for older adults in such circumstances.
Rao emphasised the role of local policies, such as tax levies for senior services, in bolstering emergency preparedness among older populations. Counties like Fayette, lacking such levies, may benefit from targeted interventions and increased resource allocation to improve readiness and resilience. The study also called for enhanced public awareness and education on climate risks among older adults, particularly in regions traditionally perceived as less vulnerable. Moving forward, researchers aim to foster a sense of community collaboration by working with community partners and county leaders to translate these findings into actionable strategies, including tailored outreach and educational initiatives aimed at enhancing emergency preparedness and resilience among older adults in Ohio.
More information: Smitha Rao et al, Extreme Weather Disruptions and Emergency Preparedness Among Older Adults in Ohio: An Eight-County Assessment, International Journal of Disaster Risk Science. DOI: 10.1007/s13753-024-00548-8
Journal information: International Journal of Disaster Risk Science Provided by The Ohio State University
