OLDER ADULTS

Reaching out to older adults during crisis
A traumatic event can bring back feelings of grief from past losses. Older friends or relatives may experience a variety of strong emotions following an historic flood or other disaster, including:

• A feeling of isolation
• Renewed sorrow for the loss of loved ones
• Anxiety
• Disorientation
• An inability to concentrate
• Extreme worry about the safety of family members

What you can do
Some older people may not have an opportunity to talk about the event and how they feel. Many may not think that it's necessary to talk about their feelings, or they may even believe that something is wrong with them because they are grief-stricken and having trouble coping. If an older relative or friend has been deeply affected by the historic flood, you can:

• Provide reassurance that strong emotions are normal reactions to a traumatic event. Tell your older friend or relative that fear, anger, hopelessness, or shock are all normal and expected responses that others have had to trauma.
• Share your feelings. Some older people may find it comforting to know that they are not alone.
• Explain that the feelings he or she is experiencing are OK. Many older people may think it's important to deny feelings of grief or anger. Some may also believe that reactions such as anger, disorientation, or extreme anxiety are not appropriate responses.

It's important to make an extra effort to reach out to older relatives or friends following a traumatic event. Some older people may not have a lot of contact with others, and may feel lonely or isolated. Here are ways to connect with an older person after a traumatic event:

• You may want to increase visits with grandchildren or other members of your extended family to keep your older relative engaged and active in something other than the flood.
• Ask your older friend or relative to share a meal or just spend time with your family. If older people are feeling lonely or isolated, spending time with the extended family, even if it's just doing ordinary things, may be helpful.
• Invite your older friend or relative to attend a vigil, ceremony, or fund-raising event. Many people find solace through participating in efforts to aid the victims and their families. Participating in relief efforts may also help your older relative feel connected to the larger community.
• If your older friend or relative finds comfort in her faith community, attend a religious service or event together.

Helping older people cope after a traumatic event
Older people may have fears related to a traumatic event. They may be worried about economic developments that could affect their savings, or even about things that may seem unrelated, such as the health of a beloved pet. It's important to reassure your older relative or friend that you are there to talk and support him or her. Continue asking how they are coping, and try to be patient - everyone reacts to a crisis differently. If your older friend or relative seems to be having difficulty coping with recent events, you can:

• Encourage the person to see his or her doctor. Emotional stress often shows up in physical symptoms. Older people may become more disoriented or feel worse than usual when they are experiencing stress. A good doctor will investigate physical symptoms and help older people understand that these symptoms are often connected to stress.
• Remind older people to maintain their usual routines. Some people may stop taking necessary medications or other health precautions in times of stress.
• Encourage your friend or relative to get enough sleep and eat nutritious food. Adequate sleep and proper nutrition are two of the best defenses people have against stress. You can also encourage older people to get moderate exercise as they are able by proposing a short walk or other outdoor activity.

RESOURCES

A Healthy State of Mind: Older Adults

Managing Stress in Later life

Special Concerns of Older Adults in Disasters

Coping with Disaster: Tips for Older Adults

Aftermath of a Disaster, Older Adults: Stronger than Sorrow