Protecting Seniors Against Environmental Disasters

The baby boom generation were born between 1946 and 1964 and are the largest population cohort in US history. They should number about 90 million by mid-century, more than doubling their current size. The massive increase in seniors and relative decline of those of working age in the US is mirrored in almost all the world's most populous countries. This book connects the dots between the US baby boom generation and the marked increase in natural and human-caused disasters. It evaluates options available to seniors, their aids, for and not-for and for-profit organizations and government to reduce vulnerability to hazard events. These include coordinated planning, risk assessment, regulations and guidelines, education, and other risk management efforts. Using interviews with experts, cases studies, especially of Superstorm Sandy, and literature, it culls best practice and identify major gaps. It is original and successful in making the connection between the growing group of vulnerable US seniors, environmental events, and risk management practices in order to isolate the most effective lessons learned.

Michael R. Greenberg is Professor at the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, Rutgers University, New Jersey, USA. He serves as associate editor for environmental health for the American Journal of Public Health, and was editor-in-chief of Risk Analysis: An International Journal.

1. Introduction to the Baby Boom Generation and Risk Analysis 2. The Baby Boom Imperative 3. Risk Assessment: Experiences of Seniors in Low Probability, High Consequence Environmental Hazard Events 4. Risk Management: Local, Stage and the Federal Government 5. Risk Management: Not for Profit and For Profit Organizations 6. Risk Management: Seniors, Assistants, Family and Friends 7. New Jersey's Three Recent Tropical Storms and Hurricans: Experiences and Lessons Learned 8. Recommendations: Increasing Mitigation and Resilience and Reducing Vulnerability