Storms have a natural reputation for being disastrous. The amount of damage that they leave behind whether financial, psychological, or physical is just too much. Unfortunately, not even older adults are exempted from the perils of a severe storm. In the event of a severe storm in Salisbury, NC, the elderly are also bound to suffer. This post aims to highlight the impact of adverse weather conditions on older adults.
Disrupted Health Care
Older adults are more susceptible to ailments as a result of their advanced age. Age takes a toll on the immune system which implies that they have to seek medical consultation regularly to stay healthy. However, severe storms tend to disrupt everything including the healthcare system.
Medical experts have to be deployed to other different places to tend to emergencies leaving the elderly vulnerable and unattended. In the same manner, storms can lead to the destruction of crucial medical infrastructure hence limiting the elderly access to these life-saving services.
Along with that, adverse weather conditions can destroy transport infrastructure and other means of communication making it difficult for older adults to access medical services in a timely fashion.
Incurring Physical Injuries
Storm conditions are unforgiving even for the elderly. They are a hugely disruptive force that can turn a calm and tranquil day into a living hell for older adults. Additionally, the outcome and after-effects of a storm are likely to increase the risk of older adults suffering physical injuries.
The risk of incurring cuts, burns, and even broken limbs in worse cases is real in the event of a storm. Moreover, they are less likely to dodge dangerously falling objects and other hazards now that their strength and flexibility are already compromised. That can pose a serious challenge to the elderly given that emergency medical services may be unavailable at the time.
Heightened Risk of Falls
Our strength, flexibility, and general mobility tend to diminish as we age. That means that older adults are at substantial risk of falling. Well, falls can be devastating to their already fragile bodies. Sadly, storms increase the chances of falling for the elderly. All the sudden loud noises and the unprecedented commotion caused by the scramble for safety can be confusing for older adults.
A slight loss of focus and concentration during such tense situations can cause them to slip or tumble over unseen objects. Along with that, storms can be scary and freighting making it likely for older citizens to lose their walking aids and fall.
Increased Stress Levels
Severe storms have the power to create a tense and distressing atmosphere. No one ever gets used to the scary experience brought about by a storm regardless of age. Therefore, a severe storm encounter will just be as frightening to older folks as they are to younger ones.
Even if they do not have to worry about their safety, they may be concerned about the safety of their friends or loved ones. Constant worry is known to increase stress levels which can have a detrimental impact on blood pressure and heart condition.  An increased stress level is also a known risk factor for Alzheimer’s as well as other mental health conditions like dementia.
Condition
Severe storms pose a serious threat to everyone including the elderly. If you are worried that your loved one might become a victim of the many perils of harsh weather, it might be prudent to take him or her to a retirement community. Retirement communities in Salisbury, NC have dependable caregiver teams that will take good care of the elderly in your absence and keep them safe in severe storms.
Speak to our friendly team or schedule a tour of our community to check out how we can help today!
