![](images/Newspaper.gif)
Daily Life Challenges in an Earthquake Disaster Situation in Older Adults: A Qualitative Study in Iran
IC08-IC12
Correspondence
Dr. Hamidreza Khankeh,
Professor, Research Center in Emergency and Disaster Health, University of Social Welfare and
Rehabilitation sciences, Tehran, Iran.
E-mail: hdq2013@gmail.com
Introduction: Understanding the challenges of daily life in older adults after a disaster is a necessary precondition to manage the consequences of disasters in this vulnerable group.
Aim: The purpose of this study was to explore the challenges of daily life of older adults after an earthquake in Iran.
Materials and Methods: This qualitative study was conducted using a content analysis approach. A purposeful sampling method with maximum diversity was applied until reaching data saturation. In total, 18 older adults, four experts and four caregivers participated in the study. Data were collected using in-depth and semi-structured interviews. Data analysis was done with an inductive approach and with the help of the recommended principles.
Results: By analysing 564 primary codes, three main categories: losses, ageism and disruption in usual routine life were extracted from the experiences of older adults. Each of these categories included several subcategories, which were categorized according to their significant characteristics.
Conclusion: Clarifying the challenges in the daily lives of the older adults after disasters can help to create an age sensitive approach for recovery and thus, more effectively addressing their needs. Based on the findings of the research, it is recommended that further research is needed to investigate the life processes in older adults after disasters and to extract their experiences in different contexts.