Older Persons do not only need protection – they are protection | Division for Inclusive Social Development (DISD)

Did you know that nearly two thirds of the victims of the Japanese tsunami in 2011 were aged 60 or above? Or that the average decedent associated with Hurricane Sandy was 60 years old?

Persons over 60 make up one of the most vulnerable groups in our society, especially when it comes to natural disasters. And while already ten per cent of today’s world’s population is over the age of 60, it is estimated that by 2030, there will be more persons in this age group than children under ten .

Additionally, the lives of older persons in rural areas largely depend on the seasons. The availability of these natural resources becomes however increasingly scarce and older persons need to make a great effort to adapt to these negative impacts caused by climate change.

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