Compound Disaster Exposure and Preparedness Among Older Adults: The Amplifying Role of Caregiving Responsibility
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Older adults are especially vulnerable during disasters, yet the factors influencing their preparedness remain underexamined. This study investigates whether exposure to compound disasters (multiple, overlapping hazard events within a year) is associated with greater preparedness among older adults and whether caregiving responsibilities moderate this relationship. Using data from the 2022 and 2023 FEMA National Household Surveys ( N = 4,075), we employed multivariable logistic regression to assess the impact of compound exposure and its interaction with caregiving status on preparedness. Results show that compound exposure increased the likelihood of being well-prepared, and caregiving responsibilities intensified this effect. These associations remained robust after controlling for demographic, socioeconomic, and psychosocial factors, including coping appraisal and information-seeking behavior. The findings suggest that caregiving may function as a motivator, enhancing protective action in high-risk contexts. Tailored preparedness initiatives that engage older caregivers may be critical for advancing disaster resilience in aging communities.
Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology
Authors: Yanjun Dong, Kun Wang, Victoria M. Rizzo, Min Zhang
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W7212266137