Psychosocial Issues for Older Adults in Disasters

摘要

This year the Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program marks its twenty-fifth anniversary. One of the lessons learned over the years is the resiliency of disaster victims, especially older adults. Older persons have much to offer in times of crisis. Their perspective, their life skills, and their compassion have been tempered over decades. As this guide points out, they are uniquely able to assure others, when times are difficult, that 'this, too, shall pass.' This publication is intended to provide disaster mental health and human service workers, service providers, program planners, administrators, as well as care givers, and older persons themselves with the tools and knowledge to appropriately respond to the needs of older adults in times of disaster. We also hope that this guide will provide a better understanding of the strengths and contributions of the older population and how best to use their experience and wisdom in disaster mental health response and recovery efforts.