Aging, older adults and natural disasters

Jan 14, 2026 Letters

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Dear Editor,

Regrettably, we live in a society that places a premium on youth, while the elderly is left voiceless. This demographic imbalance reflects both a cultural and systemic culture of neglect, where wisdom and experience are overshadowed by the relentless pursuit of a culture that glories novelty and vitality. This prejudice is evident across multiple layers of modern life.

In the workspace, many elderly individuals face age discrimination; their experiences are undervalued compared to the perceived energy and enthusiasm of younger employees. This pattern reveals troubling realities across the global sphere where the contributions of the elderly are consistently diminished and many are viewed as a burden.  In many societies, pensioners suffer the indignity of having to wait overbearingly long for their pensions.

Seniors are disproportionately exposed and vulnerable after a natural disaster due to a combination of physical, social and economic factors that complicate their ability to prepare, respond and recover.

National Policy for Senior Citizens

Jamaica’s 1997 National Policy for Senior Citizens was revised in 2021. The National Policy for Senior Citizens 2021 established the Government’s commitment to broaden inclusion of senior citizens in nation-building, recognise the tremendous capacity and resources within the age cohort, and align programmes and initiatives to respond to the opportunities and challenges posed by population ageing.  The guiding principles behind the Policy provide a foundation that underpins the conceptualisation, context and philosophy of the Policy. They include respect for human rights and dignity; inclusive and participatory development; gender equity; equitable access and reasonable accommodation and evidence-based monitoring and evaluation.

In support of the global thrust for credible engagement of older persons in economic and social life, the Policy is founded on three pillars that support inclusion, well-being and development.  These are: Active and Productive Ageing for National Development; Integrated Responsibility and, Enabling and Supportive Environments.

Natural Disasters and Older Adults

The negative impact as a result of the dislocation and displacement caused by Hurricane Melissa which made landfall in Jamaica as a category 5 storm on October 28, 2025 needs to be thoroughly documented specifically as it relates to older Jamaicans and the necessary support given.  Research has found that older adults are more vulnerable and experience more casualties after natural disasters compared to other age groups. There are several factors that make older adults more vulnerable. Among these are a greater prevalence of chronic conditions, multi-morbidity, cognitive impairment and medication concerns such as access to and affordability during disasters. Additionally, older adults have a greater dependence on assistive devices such as walkers, hearing aids, glasses and support requirements, from caregivers and others. Also, during disasters, the likelihood of social isolation, potential for psychological distress and gaps in how prepared the caregivers of older persons are, especially those who care for older adults with dementia must be given due consideration. Policymakers must be intentional regarding the implementation and execution of strategies and resources to improve both disaster preparedness among older adults and response efforts. A clear need exists for greater disaster preparedness and response education, and the standardisation of protocols for health care professionals and emergency responders especially so for emergency shelters.

Caregivers Support

Recent estimates show that almost 17% of the Jamaican population is 60 years old or more. About 7% of this population needs help with at least one activity of daily living.

Too often the work and support of the caregiver goes unnoticed.   A caregiver is generally understood as a person who provides assistance to individuals who cannot fully care for themselves due to illness, disability, aging, or young age. The duty of the caregiver is grounded in flexibility as many of the tasks required are learnt day to day on the job. Policymakers must be mindful that any policy regarding the elderly without taking into consideration the caregiver will not be in the best interest older adults.

Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing

In a world characterised by an increasing number and proportion of older persons, opportunities must be provided for willing and capable older persons to participate in and contribute to the ongoing activities of society. The Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (MIPAA) is the first global agreement which recognises older people as contributors to the development of their societies. Adopted in 2002, the MIPAA serves as a blueprint for countries in creating inclusive, age-friendly societies by focusing on three priority areas: older persons and development, advancing health and well-being, and ensuring enabling environments, recognising older adults as rights-holders and agents of development, not just recipients of care, complementing the United Nations (UN’s) Sustainable Development Goals.

As we age, oftentimes our dignity is trampled upon. However, older persons should be able to live in dignity and security and be free of exploitation and physical or mental abuse. Older persons should be treated fairly regardless of age, gender, racial or ethnic background, disability or other status, and be valued independently of their economic contribution.

Older persons should have access to the educational, cultural, spiritual, health and recreational resources of society. Who speaks on behalf of the elderly? Society unfairly judges the childless male while gentler lens is used regarding the childless female. This harsh reality adds to the culture of discrimination and labeling and adds yet another layer to the already complex issue of ageing.

Perhaps, the time has come for us to have an Older Adults Advocate, individuals responsible for protecting and promoting the rights, well-being, and best interests of our older adults.  Importantly, an Office of the Older Adults Advocate should be established where specific advocacy surrounding the rights of seniors and older adults and their needs are addressed.

Society therefore must interrogate all forms of injustices associated with ageing. To challenge these injustices, society must reimagine ageing not as a burden on society, but as a vital stage of human development deserving of dignity, respect, advocacy and inclusion.

Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in development policies as they affect culture and or gender issues.

Regards,
Wayne Campbell

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• Letters, natural disasters, older adults, Wayne Campbell

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