IMPACT OF NATURAL DISASTERS ON ELDERLY PEOPLE

Chennai Floods has revealed the grim reality of the disaster preparedness in large metropolises. Vulnerable sections of the society are worst affected during such calamities.

Facts 

 According the National Health Profile, released by the health ministry last year, the elderly in India i.e. the population above 60 years comprise 8.6% of the population (103.8 million) and they are also a vulnerable section.

 According to census 2011, 10 per cent of Tamil Nadu’s population is above the age of 60 years- 4, 64,122 people to be specific. By conservative estimates, as many as 5% of older individuals are living alone (urban isolation).

 For this population, the national health policy envisages an effective capacity for routine emergency and, “an army of community members trained as first responder for accidents and disasters.”

 The Health policy envisages a network of emergency care that has an assured provision of life support ambulances linked to trauma management centers- one per 30 lakh population in urban and one for every 10 lakh population in rural areas will form the key to a trauma care policy.

 With no support system, India’s greying population is defenceless against natural calamities.

 Senior citizens are likely to constitute a significant chunk of the total deaths in Chennai Floods.

 Urban isolation leading to helplessness during such disasters

 Number of elderly people were founded stranded during the floods for days without access to relief or rehabilitation

 Inefficient administration- the complete lack of ward-level data on vulnerable populations, such data is vital for any relief and rescue work to be successful

 Lack of institutional capacity to meet the goals for vulnerable population envisaged by the National Health Policy

Way Forward

 The institutional capacity should be increased

 Relief, Rescue and Rehabilitation measures should be at the lightening speed for vulnerable section

 The phenomenon of urban isolation should be addressed by communities and NGOs can play a greater role to lessen psychological pressure on the vulnerable sections of the society

 Need of the greater awareness among people about the issues faced by the elderly

 Use of social media platform and technology to help