Immobility, Older Adults and Adaptation to Tropical Cyclones: Insights from Coastal Bangladesh

This research explores the intricate relationship among immobility, adaptation and tropical cyclones (TCs) in older persons residing in coastal Bangladesh. Since cyclones commonly affect the Bay of Bengal, this study focuses on the special effects that these disasters have on the older population, specifically in the Gabura Union. The study documents the residents’ actual experiences and difficulties during cyclonic events through the use of qualitative research techniques like focus groups and in-depth interviews. The results show that a large number of elderly persons, even in the face of cyclone danger, choose to remain immobile as a coping strategy by staying in their comfortable surroundings. This inclination is linked to economic barriers that prevent them from migrating, intense emotional ties to their hometowns and dependence on local resources. Even after making the initial moves to seek safety, a large portion of the elderly return home because they find it difficult to leave their comfortable surroundings. This reluctance is sometimes worsened by health issues and financial strains brought on by past disasters. The study emphasises how important it is to develop adaptation plans that are especially tailored to the requirements of the elderly living in disaster-prone locations. It shows how the elderly adapt to climate hazards while keeping strong ties to their homeland, highlighting notable advancements in local infrastructure and early warning systems that increase safety and community resilience. However, the study also highlights the need for more inclusive disaster management strategies because of the marginalisation of older people and their financial limitations. The study illustrates the value of including age-sensitive techniques in climate adaptation plans by illuminating the experiences of older persons during TCs. The goal of the project is to provide policymakers and practitioners with information about how to foster environments that emphasise the well-being of the elderly in the face of growing threats associated with climate change. In the end, this research advances knowledge about how vulnerable groups deal with the effects of climate change by providing insights that can improve resilience in comparable situations around the world.