Psychological Recovery of the Elderly After the Earthquake: Supportive Approaches

Natural disasters such as earthquakes can be a stressful and traumatic experience for everyone, but they are especially dangerous for the elderly. Because they are physically weaker and more vulnerable, they can suffer more during an earthquake.

Although natural disasters such as earthquakes can be a stressful and traumatic experience for everyone, they are especially dangerous for the elderly. Because they are physically weaker and more vulnerable, they can suffer more during an earthquake. In this process, it can be very difficult to cope with emotional as well as physical difficulties. Therefore, the psychological recovery of the elderly after an earthquake is an issue that needs to be emphasized and there are a number of supportive approaches for this. These supportive approaches are described in more detail below.

What can be done for the elderly after an earthquake?

1. Provide for their physical safety.
2. Provide emotional and mental support.
3. Satisfy their needs.
4. Provide professional support.
5. Help them socialize.

1. Ensure their physical safety

To ensure the physical safety of the elderly after an earthquake, make sure their living spaces are safe. To do this, have the buildings checked for safety. If there is damage, get support from an expert. Provide supplies that may be needed in times of need. These may include water, food, medicine and blankets. Make sure evacuation routes are safe in case of danger.

2. Provide emotional and mental support.

Elderly people are more at risk after an earthquake, so it is important that they receive emotional support. They may be more vulnerable to feelings of fear, anxiety and panic after this life-threatening situation. To provide emotional support, first let them share what they are feeling. Try to understand the difficulties they are experiencing. Make them feel that you are there for them. Provide support for their needs. Reassure them that they are safe to return to their daily routine. Provide accurate and clear information about the work being done.

3. Satisfy their physical needs.

The physical needs of the elderly increase significantly after an earthquake. Therefore, some measures should be taken to meet their physical needs. Emergency medical assistance should be provided so that injuries can be treated immediately. Ensure the safety of living spaces. Provide basic needs such as water, food, hygiene items. Provide the medicines they use regularly. Help them to access the necessary rehabilitation services for their physical recovery.

4. Provide professional support.

Providing professional support for medical and psychological problems is essential to speed up the recovery process after an earthquake. These problems can become more serious if they are not addressed with expert support. Preparing rehabilitation programs that support their physical movements and ensuring that they meet with psychologists are among the most helpful activities in this process.

5. Help them socialize.

Encouraging older people to socialize after an earthquake is important for their mental health. Breaking social ties with the local community complicates the recovery process. Therefore, they need to be supported to rebuild their social relationships. Places where the elderly can socialize may include mosques, sports centers and various groups. In addition, they can be kept busy with activities such as sports, cooking and reading at home during this process. Participation of the elderly in these activities after the disaster will help them feel better.

In conclusion;

To learn more about the psychological recovery process of the elderly after the earthquake, it is useful to listen to our suggestions above. These suggestions are aimed at meeting the physical and emotional needs of the elderly and will speed up the healing process.

Supportive approaches differ from individual to individual and from age to age. Therefore, understanding and addressing psychological needs also varies. As a result, we have a great role to play in the post-earthquake recovery process of the elderly.

To learn more about the traumatic effects of earthquakes on individuals, please visit The Psychological Ethics of Earthquakes: How to Overcome Stress and Trauma.