Some older people may be affected by a disaster in special ways. Stress may increase sadness, pessimism, or a lack of interest in life, or bring on depression. Delay in getting needed support and mental health care may be due to shame of having emotional problems. It may take longer to make decisions. Frail older people who are moved need to be treated with extra care and time to prepare.
Disasters sometimes provide a final blow, making recovery particularly difficult.
Older persons may have physical impairments that limit mobility. Older people have different needs and different ways of coping . Some can easily acknowledge that their physical reactions to stress are normal and that healing will take place. Some know that talking about feelings promotes healing. Some can focus on their strengths and abilities to help themselves and others.