The willingness of older adults to evacuate in the event of a disaster [electronic resource]
說明
96 p
附註
Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 70-11, Section: A, page: 4411
Adviser: K. Whisnant Turner
Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of North Texas, 2009
This study examined the level of willingness to evacuate among older adults in the event of a disaster. Since 1900, the number of Americans 65 and older has increased 12 times (from 3.1 million to 36.3 million). During the next two decades, the number of American baby boomers, now aged 45--64, who turn 65, will increase by 40%. Despite the extensive literature on disasters and evacuation, some significant questions regarding evacuation and older adults have not been addressed
The sample population consisted of 765 voluntary participants aged 60 years and older from thirty senior/community centers within seven counties in the State of Oklahoma. A group administered survey (the Disaster Evacuation Survey) included a total of 15 questions. The study revealed the following findings: older adults are more likely to comply with a mandatory evacuation order. Individuals with college degrees are more likely to comply with mandatory evacuations. African Americans are more likely to comply with a voluntary request. American Indian/Alaskan Native are more likely to comply with mandatory evacuation orders from emergency officials. Important practical implications for emergency officials responding to vulnerable older adults in disaster situations are also provided
