Resources for the Media

Certain characteristics of older adults put them at greater risk of illness and death during many types of public health emergencies. Increasing protection for this population begins with improved understanding of the unique needs of older adults at all levels of emergency preparedness planning, response, and recovery, and increased competency in how to address those needs. CDC and its partners have resources that may be especially helpful to media professionals in their work to increase attention on these important issues.

Podcasts

CDC Healthy Aging Program Podcast This podcast discusses the special concerns many older adults face during a disaster. (Released January 2009)

Critical Issue Briefs (released March 2007)

These briefs describe the work CDC is doing to protect the health and safety of vulnerable older adults during emergencies, and offer planning tips to older adults and their caregivers.

CDC’s Disaster Planning Goal: Protect Vulnerable Older Adults [PDF–174K]

Disaster Planning Tips for Older Adults and their Families [PDF–108K]

Further Information

Disaster Preparedness and the Chronic Disease Needs of Vulnerable Older Adults
CDC, Preventing Chronic Disease

We Can Do Better, Lessons Learned for Protecting Older Persons in Disasters [PDF–354K]
AARP

Emergency Preparedness Tips for Those with Functional Needs [PDF–5.3M]
State of Illinois