The Role of Housing and Community Infrastructure in Successful Aging in Disaster-Vulnerable Areas

Successful aging is commonly defined by good health, both physically and cognitively, as well as an active and engaged lifestyle. However, this definition often overlooks the unique challenges faced by aging populations in disaster-prone areas. The destruction of community infrastructure during such events poses a significant threat to vulnerable groups, particularly older adults, jeopardizing their prospects for successful aging. To bridge this gap, a study investigated successful aging indicators in disaster-vulnerable regions, with a specific focus on the role of housing and infrastructure recovery. The research spanned two stages across six communities in Puerto Rico from June 2021 to December 2022. Initially, 32 ethnographic interviews were conducted with individuals aged 65 and above, utilizing narrative analysis to understand their experiences of post-disaster recovery. Subsequently, 90 surveys were administered to older adults, and Ordinary Least Squares regression analysis was employed to identify successful aging indicators affected by housing and infrastructure recovery. Findings from interviews revealed that older adults often faced displacement from their homes due to unsafe conditions, negatively impacting their sense of control and continuity during the recovery process. However, positive outcomes also emerged. Recovery efforts strengthened familial bonds through mutual support within the community, enhanced adaptability to change, fostered a spirit of volunteerism, and bolstered self-efficacy in overcoming challenges. Survey analysis demonstrated that housing recovery significantly correlated with a heightened sense of connection among older adults. Similarly, infrastructure recovery was positively linked to their feelings of compensation, challenge, and control.This is a preprint from Ballesteros, Linnel Marie, Cristina Poleacovschi, Ivis García, Carl F. Weems, Kaoru Ikuma, and Chris Robert Rehmann. "The Role of Housing and Community Infrastructure in Successful Aging in Disaster-Vulnerable Areas." Available at SSRN 4617981. doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4617981. Copyright 2023, The Authors