What do older people's life experiences tell us about emergency preparedness?

Relatively little research has been undertaken with specific regard to older people and disasters, yet disaster researchers often classify older people as a 'vulnerable' group. Of the research that has been undertaken, the majority consider the opinion and perspective of aged care service providers, not older people themselves. In addition, most of the research is concerned with the response and recovery phases of emergency events, not preparedness. This article discusses research which engaged older people directly, seeking to understand what being prepared for an emergency means for them, and whether their life experiences have influenced this understanding. The study found that, for older people who participated, being prepared for an emergency is not a oneofftangible activity-it is a process, built upon throughout their lives, and a feeling of comfort and security in their world.