The vulnerability of the elderly in disasters: The need for an effective resilience policy

Abstract

This article presents an analysis of the vulnerability of the elderly in un/natural disasters, since the elderly may have a higher degree of fragility in emergency situations among the vulnerable group. The aim is to support increasing the resilience of the elderly during critical events as part of Civil Protection and Defence. The data collection undertaken under the methodology of this research comprises senior citizens' rights as stipulated by Brazilian law, reports produced by official agencies, international documentation and general literature concerning this issue. The various Brazilian governmental projects and programmes focusing on the vulnerability of the elderly have not been effective as regards natural disasters. Therefore the results encourage Civil Defence to develop specific protocols on prevention, preparedness and rescue for the elderly.