Housing and Health Among Seniors Exposed to Hurricane Sandy

This study examines the relationship between exposure to Hurricane Sandy, mediating aspects of housing damage and formal assistance, moderators like social capital, and health and well-being outcomes among seniors.  The study is based upon the Sandy Child and Family Health (S-CAFH) Study,  an observational cohort of 1,000 randomly-sampled New Jersey residents living in the nine counties most affected by Hurrcane Sandy. Residents were drawn from geographical areas that experienced: a) storm surges greater than one foot; b) FEMA housing application assistance requests; and/or c) significant housing damage based upon HUD assessments.  This particular analysis focuses on a subset of the S-CAFH data, specifically residents over the age of 55, which is approximately forty percent of the S-CAFH sample (n= 450).  Using these data, investigators develop a measure of housing recovery to examine its relationship with the health outcomes of seniors following a disaster.  In examining this relationship, investigators explore how seniors’ recovery may differ from that of younger adults, and amongst each other (55-64; 65-74; 75 and older), when considering different levels of housing damage, the use of government housing assistance, and property restoration.  Results suggest that the availability, quality, and accessibility of housing following a disaster is challenging for elderly residents, and can have negative health consequences.  The elderly are especially vulnerable following a disaster due to limited access to housing services, difficulties navigating support services, and physical health restrictions.  These findings suggest that there is a need to provide specific housing assistance to vulnerable seniors following a disaster.