OLDER PERSONS AND DEVELOPMENTEmergency situations
The impact of emergency situations on the lives, health and well being of older persons needs to be better understood especially in relation to their physical, mental and health vulnerabilities. Training of those working with older persons should include reference to issues about emergency situations and ageing. Especially those working in humanitarian relief situations should be cognizant of the impact and potential contribution of older persons in emergencies.
Research
- Effects of coping styles in emergency situations need to be analyzed.
- Older people and those with responsibilities for them should be aware of the early signs and symptoms of common forms of ill health.
- Healthcare personnel responsible for providing emergency care should have received specific training in geriatrics.
- Victims and workers involved in emergency situations need substantial and timely relief, supplies, and moral support. Lessons learned from emergency situations and disasters of various kinds need to be recorded and shared as emergencies arise.