Emergency Preparedness and Seniors

Older people are disproportionately affected by disasters. With the aging population and the increase in disasters in Canada and globally, it is crucial to understand the factors that can place older people at risk and to consider their potential needs and contributions in all stages of emergency management. As such, the Division of Aging and Seniors works with a wide network of stakeholders to develop resources and tools for seniors, first responders, health professionals and emergency managers. Our objectives are:

• to minimize harm and negative health impacts to seniors before, during and after disasters;
• to bring a seniors' perspective to the emergency management field; and
• to help older adults and their families be prepared.

What Information Is Available?

You may also visit the following links for more information about seniors and emergency preparedness:

• Building a Global Framework to Address the Needs and Contributions of Older People in Emergencies (2008)
• Second International Workshop on Seniors and Emergency Preparedness—Workshop Report (2008)
• Health Policy Research Bulletin–Issue 15 (April 2009): Emergency Management: Taking a Health Perspective (External link)
• Older Persons in Emergencies: An Active Ageing Perspective (2008) (External link)
• Older People in Emergencies: Considerations for Action and Policy Development(2008) (External link)
• Older People in Disasters and Humanitarian Crises: Guidelines for Best Practice (External link)
• Integrating Emergency Management and High-Risk Populations: Survey Report and Action Recommendations (2007): (External link)
• Humanitarian action and older persons: An essential brief for humanitarian actors (2008) (External link)