Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 14, 2025

Highlighting and Reducing the Impact of Negative Aging Stereotypes During Older Adults' Cognitive Testing
Published on: January 24, 2020
Mental Health Effects of Hurricane Sandy on Older Adults
Samantha S Corley1,2, Katherine A Ornstein3,4, Rehana Rasul1,2,5
1Department of Occupational Medicine Epidemiology and Prevention, 66459Northwell Health, Great Neck, NY, USA.
Objectives:
To examine whether hurricane exposure, lack of access to medical care (LAMC), and displacement during Hurricane Sandy were associated with PTSD and other mental health (MH) symptoms among older adult New York residents.
Methods:
Participants (N = 411) were ≥60 years old at the time of survey data collection (1-4 years post-Sandy). Outcomes included PTSD, depression, and anxiety symptoms and stress. Hurricane exposure, displacement, and LAMC were primary predictors.
Results:
Older adults with greater hurricane exposure had increased PTSD, anxiety, and stress symptoms. LAMC had a strong association (ORadj = 4.11) with PTSD symptoms but was not associated with other MH symptoms. Displacement was not associated with MH outcomes.
Discussion:
This is the first study to examine exposure, displacement, and LAMC together and to examine their varying impacts on different MH outcomes among older adults post-hurricane. Findings support the importance of disaster preparedness interventions tailored to the MH needs of community-dwelling older adults.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Stress and Mental Health
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
Pharmacodynamics in Geriatric Patients: Effects of Age
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Symptoms and Behavioral Manifestations
A spectrum of distressing symptoms characterizes PTSD. Recurrent flashbacks, where individuals involuntarily relive traumatic events,...
Cognitive Development During Adulthood
Psychological Responses to Stress
Introduction to Stress and Lifestyle

