Displaced by Climate Disasters: The Struggles of Aging Americans to Find Housing

As climate change continues to intensify, extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and severe, displacing millions of people worldwide. Among those most affected are older adults, who face unique challenges in finding safe, affordable housing. The story of Doug and Rhoda Mason from Vermont illustrates the difficulties that aging Americans encounter when climate disasters strike.

The Masons' Ordeal

On July 11, 2023, record rains led to a landslide that destroyed the Masons' hillside home in Barre, Vermont. The force of the mudslide was so intense that it pushed their house 10 feet off its foundation. For Doug Mason, who had retired 10 years earlier, this event marked his 78th birthday. The couple spent nearly two months searching for a rental they could afford, eventually finding a two-bedroom apartment 40 miles away in Williston. This new location placed them far from their family, doctors, and familiar community services.

The Broader Impact of Climate Disasters on Older Adults

According to a recent census survey, about 2.4 million adults were displaced by disasters in the past year, with one-fifth of them being over 65. While many eventually return home, even temporary displacement poses significant challenges for older adults. Fixed incomes, health and mobility issues, and the difficulty of managing home repairs or finding new housing make the recovery process particularly arduous for this demographic.

Housing Challenges and Climate Resilience

The aging population and increasing frequency of climate-fueled disasters highlight the urgent need for housing that is both affordable and accessible. In regions like New England, where housing stock is among the oldest in the country, only about 20% of homes have basic age-friendly features. Nationwide, less than 4% of housing units are accessible to people with moderate disabilities.

Jennifer Molinsky, who directs research on housing and aging at Harvard's Joint Center for Housing Studies, points out that there are insufficient options for affordable and accessible housing connected to essential services for older adults. The Masons, for example, could not consider homes with steep stairs due to their knee surgeries.

The Importance of Social Connections

Social connections play a vital role in the resilience and recovery of older adults during climate disasters. Isolated individuals have more difficulty evacuating and preparing for disasters, and they experience higher fatality rates during events like wildfires, floods, and storms. Community support and strong social networks are crucial for helping older adults navigate the aftermath of such events.

Policy Recommendations

Danielle Arigoni, a managing director at the National Housing Trust and author of Climate Resilience for an Aging Nation, emphasizes that policies supporting an aging population can benefit entire communities. These policies include building dense housing connected to public transportation and services, which enhance overall climate resilience.

As the Masons and many others await buyouts for their damaged properties, the need for comprehensive climate resilience planning becomes ever more apparent. By addressing the specific needs of older adults, we can create communities that are better prepared for the impacts of climate change.

Conclusion

The intersection of climate change and aging populations presents significant challenges, but it also offers an opportunity to develop innovative solutions that benefit everyone. By focusing on affordable, accessible housing and strong community support, we can ensure that our most vulnerable citizens are protected and resilient in the face of climate disasters.

FAQs

How are older adults affected by climate disasters? Older adults face unique challenges during climate disasters, including health and mobility issues, fixed incomes, and difficulties finding suitable housing.
What specific challenges did the Masons face after the landslide? The Masons struggled to find affordable housing that met their mobility needs and were displaced far from their familiar community and services.
How prevalent is the issue of housing for older adults in the context of climate change? Many older homes lack age-friendly features, and less than 4% of U.S. housing is accessible for people with moderate disabilities, creating significant challenges for aging populations during climate disasters.
What role do social connections play in climate disaster recovery for older adults? Social connections are crucial for evacuating and recovering from disasters. Older adults without strong social networks face higher risks and more difficulties during such events.
What recommendations are made for addressing these challenges? The article calls for comprehensive climate resilience planning that includes the needs of older adults, such as building affordable, accessible housing and integrating services within communities.

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