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Thomas J. Durant, Jr. Ph.D. Louisiana State University

Thomas J. Durant, Jr. Ph.D. Louisiana State University. Individual, family, & community factors that influenced the vulnerability of elderly to hurricane Katrina. Outline. Purpose Key Facts surrounding Hurricane Katrina Definition of Disaster Theoretical Perspectives Social Supports

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Thomas J. Durant, Jr. Ph.D. Louisiana State University

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  1. Thomas J. Durant, Jr. Ph.D. Louisiana State University Individual, family, & community factors that influenced the vulnerability of elderly to hurricane Katrina

  2. Outline • Purpose • Key Facts surrounding Hurricane Katrina • Definition of Disaster • Theoretical Perspectives • Social Supports • Social Networks & Vulnerability • Conclusion

  3. Purpose • To assess individual, family, & community factors that influence the vulnerability of the elderly to Hurricane Katrina

  4. The Elderly & Hurricane Katrina Here are the facts: • 50% of the 1000 deaths in New Orleans were persons 75+ in age • 64% were over 60 years of age • 36% died in their homes • 22% died in hospitals • 12% died in nursing homes • 70% of nursing homes were not evacuated

  5. Disaster • An event concentrated in time and space in which a society, or subdivision of a society, incurs loss of its members • Results in the destruction of physical components • Involves the disruption of the social structure

  6. Theoretical Perspectives • Social Capital Perspective • Multiple Jeopardy Perspective

  7. Social Capital Perspective • One’s social networks with family, friends, and social agencies can serve as a source of assistance during and after a disaster.

  8. Premise Weak Social Networks + Multiple Disadvantages = Increased Risk of High Vulnerability

  9. Multiple Jeopardy Perspective • Individuals or families with multiple disadvantages have greater vulnerability to the effects of a natural disaster • EXAMPLE: Elderly Persons • Poor/Poverty • In Poor Health • Widowed or Living Alone • Concentrated Poverty • Socially Isolated Neighborhoods

  10. Social Supports U.S. Elderly Population Katrina Elderly Survey • 85% of elderly person received support from family members • 15% from friends • 13% from paid sources • 10% from friends • 85% of older adults received support from family members • 50% from friends • 20% local & state agencies • 20% federal agencies • 10% self-help or private sources

  11. Social Networks & Vulnerability • Elderly adults depend on family & caretakers to make decisions in disasters • Elderly adults with chronic health or disabilities depend more on social networks

  12. Social Networks & Vulnerability • Older adults with strong social networks were more likely to evacuate • Older adults with strong economic resources, social networks, & public assistance had lower vulnerability to the effects of disasters • EXAMPLE: Rev. Willie Walker

  13. Summary • Social Networks • Multiple Jeopardy • Older adults with multiple jeopardies and low social networks were more vulnerable to Hurricane Katrina • Older adults with access to strong social networks and fewer risks were less vulnerable

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