Disaster Awareness, Disaster Risk Perceptions, and Disaster Risk Communication Among Older Adults in Niğde, Türkiye

This study examines the relationship between adaptation difficulties in ageing, disaster awareness, disaster risk perception, and disaster risk communication among older adults. Data were collected from 385 older adults living in Niğde Province, Türkiye, through an online survey between October 31 and December 31, 2023, in this cross-sectional study. Adaptation to ageing was assessed through adaptation difficulties using the Scale for Assessing Adaptation Difficulties in the Elderly. The data were analyzed using independent samples t-tests and binary logistic regression. Lower levels of adaptation difficulty were associated with higher disaster awareness, stronger risk perception, and more effective disaster risk communication. Older adults with higher adaptation difficulty were more likely to experience loneliness during and after disasters and were less likely to seek support from family members despite limited self-sufficiency (p < 0.05). In addition, many participants framed disaster preparedness in spiritual terms and reported relying primarily on traditional media, particularly radio and television, as well as informal social networks for disaster-related information. Adaptation difficulties play an important role in shaping disaster-related awareness, perceptions, and communication among older adults. Strengthening psychosocial adaptation, enhancing perceived control, and promoting accessible, culturally sensitive, and multi-channel risk communication strategies may improve disaster preparedness in this population.