Elderly person facing hurricane floodwaters, symbolizing vulnerability and health crisis.

Hurricane Aftermath: How Emotional Distress Impacts Long-Term Health

Reese Marlowe in Health & Wellness June 2025 • 4 min read.

"A new study reveals the lasting impact of hurricane-related distress on older adults' healthcare needs, highlighting the importance of mental health preparedness in disaster response."

Hurricanes and other natural disasters don't just leave a trail of physical destruction; they also take a significant emotional toll, especially on vulnerable populations like older adults. The stress of experiencing a hurricane, with its threats to safety and disruptions to essential services, can exacerbate existing health conditions and create new challenges.

While the immediate physical needs of disaster survivors are often prioritized, the long-term mental health consequences can be overlooked. A groundbreaking study on older adults who experienced Hurricane Sandy sheds light on the profound impact of emotional distress on healthcare utilization in the year following the storm.

This article delves into the findings of this research, revealing how self-reported fear and distress during Hurricane Sandy significantly predicted increased hospital visits, emergency department (ED) visits, and outpatient care among older adults. We'll explore the implications of these findings for disaster preparedness and the importance of integrating mental health support into comprehensive disaster response strategies.

The Hidden Health Crisis: Unpacking the Emotional Impact of Hurricanes

Elderly person facing hurricane floodwaters, symbolizing vulnerability and health crisis.

The ORANJ BOWL Study, a long-term research project tracking the health and well-being of New Jersey residents, provided a unique opportunity to examine the long-term effects of Hurricane Sandy. Researchers linked Medicare claims data from 2012 and 2013 with survey responses from over 1,600 adults aged 65 and older who had experienced the hurricane.

The study revealed a striking correlation between self-reported emotional distress during the hurricane and subsequent healthcare utilization. Specifically, older adults who reported experiencing 'a lot' of fear and distress were significantly more likely to:

Be admitted to the hospital within three months of the hurricane.
Visit the emergency department (ED) more frequently in the year following the hurricane.
Have more outpatient visits in the year after the hurricane.

These findings underscore the fact that the emotional impact of disasters can have tangible consequences for physical health and healthcare needs. The study highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing psychological distress as a key component of disaster preparedness.

Beyond the Storm: Prioritizing Mental Health in Disaster Preparedness

The study's findings serve as a powerful reminder that disaster preparedness must extend beyond immediate physical needs to encompass mental health support. Addressing the psychological distress experienced by older adults during and after disasters is crucial for mitigating long-term health consequences and reducing strain on healthcare systems.

Integrating mental health screenings and interventions into disaster response plans can help identify and support those at greatest risk. This may involve providing access to counseling services, support groups, and educational resources to help older adults cope with the emotional aftermath of disasters.

As climate change increases the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, it is imperative that we prioritize the mental health needs of vulnerable populations in disaster preparedness efforts. By recognizing the lasting impact of emotional distress, we can build more resilient communities and ensure that older adults receive the comprehensive care they need to thrive in the face of adversity.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1017/dmp.2017.134, Alternate LINK

Title: Older Adults’ Health Care Utilization A Year After Experiencing Fear Or Distress From Hurricane Sandy

Subject: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Journal: Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness

Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)

Authors: Laura P. Sands, Yimeng Xie, Rachel Pruchno, Allison Heid, Yili Hong

Published: 2018-02-05

Everything You Need To Know

How can the emotional distress from a hurricane affect the health of older adults?

The emotional toll of a hurricane, such as the stress and fear experienced during Hurricane Sandy, can significantly increase the healthcare needs of older adults. The stress can worsen existing health problems and contribute to new ones, leading to more hospital visits, emergency department visits, and outpatient care in the year following the event. This highlights that psychological distress can have tangible effects on physical health, beyond just the immediate physical damage.

What was the ORANJ BOWL Study and what did it do?

The ORANJ BOWL Study tracked the health and well-being of New Jersey residents, offering a unique opportunity to investigate the long-term consequences of Hurricane Sandy. This study linked Medicare claims data from 2012 and 2013 with survey responses from over 1,600 adults aged 65 and older. This allowed researchers to find a strong connection between self-reported emotional distress and the use of healthcare services after the hurricane.

What were the main healthcare findings linked to emotional distress after Hurricane Sandy?

The findings of the study showed that older adults who reported 'a lot' of fear and distress during Hurricane Sandy had a higher likelihood of being admitted to the hospital, visiting the emergency department more often, and attending more outpatient visits in the year following the hurricane. These outcomes demonstrate that the emotional impact of a disaster directly affects physical health and increases healthcare demand.

Why is mental health support important in disaster preparedness?

Mental health support is essential because the emotional distress caused by hurricanes can lead to long-term health issues, increasing healthcare utilization and putting strain on healthcare systems. Integrating mental health services helps mitigate these effects. Comprehensive disaster preparedness should extend beyond immediate needs to include mental health resources to address the psychological impact on vulnerable populations like older adults.

What are the specific healthcare implications of emotional distress following a hurricane?

The specific healthcare implications include a rise in hospital admissions, more frequent visits to the emergency department, and increased outpatient care among older adults experiencing significant emotional distress. These consequences are the result of the stress that is caused, which can exacerbate existing health conditions and create new health challenges. Therefore, this highlights the need to recognize and address the psychological impact of disasters as a key part of disaster preparedness.