Perception of elderly as volunteers

Practitioners had divided opinions regarding physically fit elderly people being suitable as volunteers during emergency and disaster situations. Some practitioners identified strengths of this volunteer group, and suggested that they are useful in providing support: “Old people know how to move and where to go” (G3; R), “elderly people need some work but are helpful” (G3; R). Other practitioners rather identified weaknesses: “Older people are harder to work with” (G3; R). Again others suggested that physically fit older people can provide volunteering in emergency and disasters in specific contexts which reflect their abilities: “Still through a professional guide, elderly people can be used to support children, the pairing elderly-children is very important” (G4; R5).

Note: See source document for full reference.

Cultural Factors: Age-related roles

Hazards: Natural hazards, Man-made non-intentional hazards or emergency situations, Man-made intentional hazards

Disaster Phases: Response, Recovery

Types of Actors Concerned: National civil protection body, Local authorities, Healthcare and emergency services, NGOs

Recommendations:

• Use trustworthy, widespread, multi-lingual, culturally appropriate and inclusive means of alerting the target population in case of disasters
• Empower vulnerable groups (i.e. children, elderly, and people with disabilities) by including them in disaster management decision-making and actions
• Use cultural factors to improve the effectiveness of disaster communication