ERIC Number: EJ925794
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2011
Pages: 15
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0270-1960
EISSN: N/A
The Level of Willingness to Evacuate among Older Adults
Gray-Graves, Amy; Turner, Keith W.; Swan, James H.
Gerontology & Geriatrics Education, v32 n2 p107-121 2011
The issues of rising numbers of disasters, overwhelming increases in number of older adults, and historically flawed evacuations present real challenges. During the next two decades, the number of American baby boomers, who turn 65, will increase by 40%. As evidenced by recent disasters, the imperfections and vulnerabilities of flawed evacuations for older adults are still present. This study examined the level of willingness to evacuate among older adults in the event of a disaster. Despite the extensive literature on disasters and evacuation, a significant question regarding evacuation and older adults has not been addressed. The study addressed the following concern: What is the level of willingness among older adults to evacuate when asked to do so by emergency management officials? The sample population consisted of 765 voluntary participants aged 60 years and older from 30 senior/community centers within seven counties within a midwestern state. A group administered survey (The Disaster Evacuation Survey) included a total of 15 questions. The findings revealed that older adults are more likely to comply with a mandatory evacuation order. Important practical implications for emergency officials responding to vulnerable older adults in disaster situations are also provided. (Contains 2 tables.)
Descriptors: Baby Boomers, Older Adults, Counties, Community Centers, Natural Disasters, Emergency Programs, Surveys, Compliance (Psychology), Terrorism
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 325 Chestnut Street Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Fax: 215-625-2940; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Oklahoma
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A