No one left behind: building inclusive, community-led emergency management for ageing demographics

Older adults (65+) are increasingly vulnerable to disasters, a risk amplified by the rapid growth of this demographic in Canada and the diminishing capacity of social systems to provide adequate support. This paper explores community-based mitigation measures to enhance disaster preparedness and social capital for older adults, anticipating that both social and governmental resources may become increasingly limited. A literature review was conducted to identify evidence-based interventions and key themes related to disaster preparedness among older adults. Findings synthesize academic insights to propose several interventions, including a local emergency leadership corps, intergenerational and peer resilience partnerships, and a community currency volunteer program, emphasizing that these initiatives should prioritize participatory decision-making, with older adults engaged as equal participants in measures that support their safety. The study concludes with recommendations for further exploration of these interventions and a broader examination of identified knowledge gaps related to the disaster preparedness of older adults.