Challenges and Coping Strategies of Older Adults in the Aftermath of Kahramanmaraş Earthquake in Türkiye: A Qualitative Research

The aim of this study was to explore the post-earthquake experiences, difficulties, and coping strategies of older adults who experienced the Kahramanmaraş earthquakes that occurred in Türkiye in 2023. This research was designed as a qualitative descriptive study. The study was conducted with 21 (13 female and 8 male) older adults and the mean age of the participants was 70.2 (in the range of 65–85). In line with the data obtained from the participants, “ Fulfilling Basic Needs of Older Adults, Emotional Turmoil in Later Life, Healthcare Disparities in Aging, Adaptive Response of Older Adults” themes and sub-themes related to the theme were formed. Both physical and socio-emotional challenges, as well as coping strategies and support systems that older adults face in the aftermath of earthquakes, demonstrate unique characteristics for this demographic group. Therefore, it is recommended to plan programs by considering these differences while planning intervention programs before, during, and after the disaster.