Societal Response to Mass Dislocation of the Elderly Implications for Area Agencies on Aging

Abstract

A 3-year study of the impact of the 1972 flood in the Wilkes Barre, PA area on the elderly revealed that anticipated adverse long-term effects on elderly flood victims were not realized. The community steady state was restored within 100 days and was virtually complete within 1 year. Area Agencies on Aging are seen as having their greatest potential in assisting in producing hard services, quality control, and in undertaking early planning. AAAs do not appear to have coordinating powers in disaster services to the elderly.