Older adults' meanings of preparedness: a New Zealand perspective

摘要: Contemporary Western social policy encourages older adults to maintain independence in the community. Socio-cultural norms of have recently become associated with successful ageing. Personal autonomy and self-responsibility are cultural markers by which increasingly define their lives identity. Many seek remain independent within communities, while coping age-related decline, living alone decreased connectedness. These characteristics also been personal vulnerability explain why at higher risk experiencing disproportionate negative outcomes during disasters. This paper describes findings from narrative interviews a sample community-dwelling New Zealand adults. The sought explore views about disaster preparedness. However, accounts was collective bigger story preparedness, relationships later life, extended beyond context preparing for future event. Older identified age-specific preparedness as way everyday lives. Concerns health influenced choices actions they evaluated prioritised goals strategies wellbeing. Social were considered an important resource support independence. Understanding role has implications improving this vulnerable age group can experience disaster. Therefore, health, gerontology emergency management much common when considering adults' non-disaster times.