The things that transpired over the weekend truly saddened me to the core. I was busy monitoring the aftermath of Cyclone Yasi as well as the ongoing search and rescue operations held in New Zealand since the powerful earthquake that shook them late February when the news of Japan experiencing their strongest and most damaging earthquake came in. A day later it was the tsunami, an expected after effect of the earthquake, then came the radioactive leaks which threw most nearby countries on panic. I have strong feelings when something like this happens as I can’t help but think of all those people, young and old, helplessly enduring the wrath of nature.

I have posted several blog posts about earthquake preparedness, how to prepare for disasters and what to do after a disaster. As we go along, I will link to them and please feel free to read them if you feel you need to brush up on your readiness.

There is more to it than physical difficulties when a disaster strikes especially for seniors. We must take note that seniors react differently most of the time and sadly, when a senior witnessed a disaster, they’re touched one way or another—stronger, emotionally. There is something in disasters that make them feel anxious which can lead to depression so it is important that the senior won’t feel threatened or compromised in any way all throughout the ordeal. It is also highly suggested for seniors to undergo therapy after a disaster to alleviate trauma.

For seniors, never assume that you have seen it all thus allowing yourself to just wait for it and cross the bridge when you get there. Consider that fact that your body might not react the same like the last time you encountered such event. Your body may be a bit slower to respond now and you may be experiencing a diminished range of motion that may hinder your ability to escape the disaster unscathed. Also, just think of the people around you, are you counting on them to care for you when a disaster comes? I hope not as they will be very busy taking care of themselves. At least make it easier for them by coming prepared for the battle.

Also your body may now be depending a lot on medications which unfortunately, these are the things that disappear fast in an event of a disaster. You might want to keep them close to your body so that when something unexpected happens, you won’t have problems getting them.

For earthquake safety tips, click here.
For your earthquake kit, click here.