Abstract:

Disasters are human-induced and natural-caused extraordinary events that affect societies economically, socially and physically, stop human life psychologically and socially, and where opportunities are insufficient. Disasters affect the elderly, those with chronic diseases and the disabled more than other individuals. We can see the elderly as the most vulnerable group. Studies on disasters have shown that older individuals have a higher risk of death and disease related to disasters. Elderly people with chronic diseases are more vulnerable to hot-cold weather conditions and epidemics in disaster situations than other individuals. Inadequate pre-disaster preparations cause elderly individuals to experience problems such as shelter, malnutrition, evacuation and economic difficulties. In this review, it is discussed how service planning should be in disaster and emergency situations due to chronic diseases, fragility and physical disabilities of elderly/special needs individuals.

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