Coping Strategies of Older Adults Survivors Following a Disaster: Disaster-Related Resilience to Climate Change Adaptation

Understanding resilience involved in the capability of older adult disaster survivors in coping and dealing with one natural disaster to another has been the focal point of several studies. However, there has been little discussion on older adult survivors’ coping strategies following a disaster. This qualitative study explored the coping strategies using a cross-case analysis to surpass disaster experiences. A purposive sample of 26 older adults’ survivors who had experienced typhoon, without experience, with family, and without family were interviewed using a focus group discussion. Four themes were generated: ‘Understanding one’s culture generates resilience that can turn huge impact in coping with disaster’, ‘Holding on to their faith by praying or acting practically during adversities still promotes adaptation’, ‘Gaining previous experiences is crucial to the positive outcome’, ‘Getting social support or not promotes adaptation’. These concepts are connected with each other, and the relationship of these factors facilitates the rebuilding of the older adults’ lives. These findings provide valuable insights for Local Government Units and healthcare professionals in supporting and promoting positive mindset activities, cultural identity, social network, and spiritual care among older adult survivors.