Living in areas affected by hurricanes and flooding has become a growing concern worldwide. A recent study published in Frontiers in Public Health has found that older adults who stayed in flooded zones after Hurricane Sandy’s landfall in 2012 had a significantly higher risk of death from all causes, averaging 9% over five years.
Researchers from Cornell University analyzed data from nearly 300,000 Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 and above who lived in the tri-state area affected by Hurricane Sandy. The study revealed that individuals residing in flooded zones had a higher mortality risk compared to those living in non-flooded areas, with regional differences observed between Connecticut and New York City.
The findings highlight the importance of considering long-term health impacts of hurricane-related flooding on older adults. Dr. Arnab Ghosh, senior author of the study, noted that region-specific disaster planning is crucial due to varying socioeconomic and demographic factors in different areas.
The researchers focused on this demographic group due to their increased vulnerability to extreme weather, including higher rates of medical comorbidities, functional limitations, and cognitive impairment. The study’s results emphasize the need for localized disaster response strategies to mitigate long-term health effects on vulnerable populations.
Source: https://www.technologynetworks.com/applied-sciences/news/living-in-hurricane-zones-could-increase-mortality-of-older-people-by-9-403156