Citation

Smith SM, Tremethick MJ, Johnson P, Gorski J. Int. J. Emerg. Manage. 2009; 6(1): 1-13.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Inderscience Publishers)

DOI

10.1504/IJEM.2009.025170

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The world's population is expanding with more individuals living beyond their sixth decade of life. These changing demographics present a challenge for emergency management professionals. While there is diversity among older adults worldwide, unique common factors influence the ability of the frail elderly to maintain their health and well-being when faced with a disaster. Numerous factors need to be considered when planning for emergency preparedness and the response needs of the frail elderly. This paper will identify some of the common challenges that emergency management professionals face in planning to meet the needs of the frail elderly during and after disasters. The strategies employed to minimise the impact of a disaster on this vulnerable group will also be discussed.