At the 5th 14th National Izmir Advanced Age Symposium with International Participation, held at the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Mustafa Necati Cultural Center on October 1-2, in cooperation with the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality and the Aegean Geriatrics Association, the risks that elderly individuals may face before, during and after the disaster were discussed in many aspects. In the final declaration published after the symposium, it was emphasized that elderly individuals should be included in disaster plans not only as people who need to be protected, but also as an active part of the solution and decision processes with their knowledge and experience.
PREPARATION FOR THE AGE-FRIENDLY IZMIR DISASTER ACTION PLAN
One of the most important outcomes of the symposium was the new study planned for Izmir. Symposium Organizing Committee; He announced that he supports the development of age-friendly, inclusive and disaster-resistant cities that center on the health, safety, independence, quality of life and participation of older people in decision-making processes. In this regard, it is planned to organize an "Age-Friendly Izmir Disaster Action Plan" workshop in cooperation with inter-institutional institutions, especially the City Council, universities, local governments, elderly organizations, AFAD, Red Crescent, Provincial Directorate of Family and Social Services and Health Directorate.
ELDERLY PEOPLE WILL BE ACTIVE STAKEHOLDERS OF DISASTER PLANS
In the final declaration, it was emphasized that the elderly should not be considered only as a group affected by disasters or as a group that needs to be protected. It was stated that elderly individuals should be one of the active stakeholders in disaster management due to their life experiences, knowledge and knowledge of the region they live in. It was pointed out that the opinions of the elderly should be taken in all processes, from risk assessment to preparation of disaster plans, from determining evacuation routes and gathering areas to temporary shelter, from health services to the evaluation of exercises.
RISK AND VULNERABILITY MAPS SHOULD BE CREATED
One of the notable recommendations of the declaration was the preparation of risk and fragility maps for elderly individuals. It was pointed out that it is important to determine the needs of the elderly who live alone, have mobility or sensory limitations, have cognitive problems, constantly use medication or medical devices, and need care before a disaster occurs. Preparing disaster plans holistically to cover these needs; It was stated that search-rescue, health and social protection systems should be established by taking into consideration the special needs of elderly individuals.
MEDICATION AND PRESCRIPTION WARNING IN THE DISASTER KIT
Concrete suggestions regarding the personal disaster preparedness of elderly individuals were also listed at the symposium. In addition to regularly used medications, it is recommended that medication reports and prescriptions, medical devices, glasses, hearing aids, prostheses and other personal health needs be kept ready in a disaster kit or in a safe place that is easily accessible. It was noted that having the names, doses and frequency of use of the drugs used in writing is important for the continuity of health services in case of disaster.
CLIMATE CRISIS IS ALSO A SIGNIFICANT DISASTER RISK FOR THE ELDERLY
The declaration drew attention not only to disasters such as earthquakes, but also to the risks brought by the climate crisis. It was stated that the effects of extreme heat, fires, air pollution and floods on elderly individuals should be taken into account and protective and preventive policies should be developed on a local scale. The age-friendly city approach is not limited to accessible transportation and physical environment; It was emphasized that preparation for disasters should include safe evacuation, temporary shelter, continuity of health and social services and the re-establishment of life after the disaster.
HEALTH AND CARE SHOULD NOT BE INTERRUPTED AFTER DISASTER
In the results of the symposium, a call was made to establish the necessary mechanisms to ensure uninterrupted follow-up of chronic diseases, drug treatments, medical device requirements, care services and emergency health services during and after the disaster. It was stated that an age-friendly approach should be developed in emergency departments that is sensitive to situations that may be encountered more frequently in older ages, such as multiple diseases and drug use, delirium, dementia, risk of falls and trauma, and psychological emergencies. It was noted that the post-disaster process is not limited to just survival, and that elderly individuals' needs for safe shelter, health, care, social and psychosocial support should be met, their social relationships should be re-established and their ability to rebuild their lives should be supported.
“NOT FOR THE ELDERLY, BUT WITH THE ELDERLY”
After the two-day sessions of the symposium, the common message was summarized as follows: "Preparation for disasters does not start at the time of disaster. It is necessary to prepare with the elderly, not for the elderly." Elderly individuals are not only victims of disasters; It was emphasized that they are an important part of the solution in creating disaster-resistant societies with their experiences, knowledge and knowledge about living spaces.
