Older people disproportianately affected by Typhoon Haiyan

(Vatican Radio) When Typhoon Haiyan struck the Philippines in November, thousands of people were killed and more than 9 million were affected.

Reconstruction in some of the devastated areas is only just beginning and thousands rely on humanitarian aid for daily subsistence and shelter.

The disproportionate number of older people who have been affected show that they are particularly at risk and need help.

HelpAge International and partner organisations have been on the in typhoon-hit areas since Haiyan hit, providing food, shelter, and medical attention to older people and their families in need.

Reports show that when natural disasters strike, it is older people who bear much of the pain — and who make up a disproportionate number of fatalities for a number of reasons.

Older people often suffer from poor mobility, and pre-existing health issues that become deadly in times of crisis.

Funds raised by HelpAge International are not only providing immediate response, but aim to help affected older people in the Philippines recover from this crisis over the long-term.

Vatican Radio’s Linda Bordoni spoke to Toby Porter, Chief Executive Officer of HelpAge International who says that an enormous 35% of the fatalities caused by the Typhoon were over the age of 60, despite the fact that this age group makes up only eight percent of the general population in the worst affected areas.

He says he was both shocked and inspired to witness the effects of the Typhoon on the population which is showing an incredibly resiliant and constructive spirit...

listen to the interview...

Porter points out that older people are extremely vulnerable in the aftermath of disasters primarily due to the physiological changes that come with aging because of reduced mobility and poor health.
He speaks of the long term programmes HelpAge International and its partners are setting up to help older people and their families start a new life.