3.1.7. Extreme Weather Events

Older adults are at risk of the impact of hurricanes; people 65 and older had the greatest mortality rate after Hurricane Maria, which descended on Puerto Rico in 2017 (Cruz-Cano and Mead 2019). The above discussion on the specifics of climate change that affect older adults can also be said about the homeless and the disabled. All three categories of vulnerable populations can be affected by social isolation, socio-economic status, geographic location, and extreme events such as hurricanes and flooding. This points to mobility issues for the elderly, disabled, and homeless. Where can they go to when such events occur? Who helps them? Additionally, are their immediate needs prioritized?
