Active aging and disaster risk reduction: Examining the contributions of older adults in community disaster risk management

Abstract

Older adults are potentially valuable members of a disaster risk reduction (DRR) process, but such potential is rarely explored. Therefore, this study aims to explore the nature of elderly participation in DRR and the underlying determinants and barriers to their participation. A mixed-methods design is used to integrate quantitative survey data from 160 older participants with qualitative data obtained through in-depth interviews. The target population comprised older adults living in the Mae Suai municipality in Chiang Rai, Thailand. Survey items included older adults' social roles in disasters, disaster experience, and engagement or willingness to participate in disaster risk reduction activities. Most of the elderly residents were found to be engaged in various community activities, mostly as non-leader members. Of the sample population, 20.6% were participating in some form of leadership activities. In terms of leadership activities, they made suggestions on how to prepare for disasters, coordinated communities in normal times, gathered residents to raise issues, and endeavored to communicate with the municipality. This shows how the elderly are able to play a central role in community disaster prevention activities as leaders across a diversity of organizations. Furthermore, they assisted in times of disaster, communicated with the municipality, cooked and distributed meals, and visited evacuation centers. There is a need for DRR strategies that are inclusive of older adults and consider aging as an essential variable of analysis. Rather than viewing older adults as passive victims who require support and assistance, a positive approach to aging could position older adults as agents of disaster preparedness and response—older adults as change agents rather than recipients of aid. This study highlights the importance of ensuring older adults are recognized to maximize their personal, family, and community participation in reducing disaster risks. The active recognition and inclusion of older adults into DRR strategies will enable the development of a more resilient community. In future research, there is a need to investigate more extensive data at the regional level and analyze the long-term adaptation strategies of aging societies.