Tom Murphy
RedwoodAge.com

While Japan's quake-triggered tsunami and nuclear evacuations affected millions of people, one group was hit harder than others  by the tragedies - the country's enormous elder population.

(New America Media)

Nearly one in four Japanese are over the age of 65, and data from past disasters shows that's exactly the age most affected by catastrophies.

The current crisis bespeaks the need to plan ahead to help seniors during an emergency like a flood, wildfire, hurricane or earthquake, particularly as 77 million American boomers begin turning 65 this year.

“Japan’s population - with the highest proportion of older people in any country - gives us an indicator of where the world as a whole is headed,” said James Appleby, executive director of The Gerontological Society of America.

“The significance of this demographic shift and the severity of the tsunami’s effects are highlighted by the numerous reports showing that seniors suffer disproportionately during natural disasters," he said.

In Hurricane Katrina, for example, three quarters of those who died were over 60, according to Public Policy & Aging Report.

And in the 2008 quake in Wenchuan, China, researchers noted twice as many people in the 90s died within a year, according to The Journal of Gerontology Series A: Biological and Medical Sciences.

Similar situations are now playing out in Japan, according to Appleby.  Of the thousands killed by the tsunami, most will likely turn out to be seniors who couldn't evacuate fast enough to get away from the coming wave.

Limited Supplies
“Many people have limited access to food and water, and there is concern that lifesaving medicines could soon be in short supply," he said. "A number of the tragic news stories we see call attention to the needs of older people and other at-risk populations."

There are things that can be done ahead of time to minimize the danger to elders.  For example, geographic information systems can map out where the most vulnerable citizens live, so that first-responders can move quickly to help them when the need arises.

The GSA also suggested multi-tiered evacuation plans and pre-existing social networks can help to minimize a disaster's impact on seniors.

One idea it to prepare a "go kit" that seniors can grab quickly if evacuation is necessary.  It would contain family contact information, health care information, a week's supply of any prescription medicine, high-nutrient foods and contact information for family members and caregivers. Then if a senior gets separated, others can help them more quickly.