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Member Research & Reports

Member Research & Reports

Iowa Study Finds Older Adults in U.S. Not Prepared For Natural Disasters

As severe weather season approaches for much of the country, a recent University of Iowa study finds that, compared to younger adults, older adults are more vulnerable when natural disasters hit. Yet the majority of adults age 50 and older in the U.S. may not be prepared for a serious flood, earthquake, tornado, or other natural calamity. These are among the findings researchers in the University of Iowa College of Public Health recently published online in the American Journal of Public Health. The report is based on a 2010 survey that was part of the Health and Retirement Study, which collects social, economic, and health information on adults age 50 and older in the U.S.