POST DISASTER ISSUES AND CHALLENGES OF ELDERLY POPULATIONS IN INDIA: EXPERIENCES FROM NATURAL DISASTERS

Authors

  • Dr Rajeev MM Assistant Professor & Chairperson, Department of Social Work, Amrita School of Arts & Sciences , Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, , Amritapuri, Kollam, India

Keywords:

emergency aid, campaigns, community education, post disaster context

Abstract

Disasters disrupt the physical and social environments that shape health and social problems. Post disaster issues related to the distribution of emergency aid have not been studied systematically but are likely to affect communities after a disaster. The common issues that elderly people face post disaster situations are financial issues, sexual health issues, emotional concerns, physical abuse and related issues. Social isolation puts people in a situation where they are predisposed to be more vulnerable to the risks of a disaster. Here the author specifically elaborates on the various issues of the senior citizens associated with disasters. The example from recent natural disasters in India such as Tsunami disaster in 2004, Uttarakhand disaster in 2013, landslide disasters in various parts of the Kerala and other states in the last few years, and the recent Chennai floods clearly show the significance of the issue that needs to be addressed. Community networks and programmes that addressed abuse and related issues before the disaster should be identified, revitalized and strengthened through training and support. A strong net work starting from neighbourhood groups can go a long way in formulating, and implementing care group activity. The Government too should pass laws against the abuse of elderly and abusers punishable with stiff punishments. Already, there are laws in place which protect senior citizens, if their children abandon them. These laws need to be strictly implemented. Also, newer laws which give more comprehensive protection to senior citizens need to be enacted especially suitable to the pre and post disaster context.

References

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Additional Files

Published

15-03-2016

How to Cite

Dr Rajeev MM. (2016). POST DISASTER ISSUES AND CHALLENGES OF ELDERLY POPULATIONS IN INDIA: EXPERIENCES FROM NATURAL DISASTERS. International Education and Research Journal (IERJ), 2(3). Retrieved from https://ierj.in/journal/index.php/ierj/article/view/146