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With the official hurricane season beginning in June with 17 to 25 named storms expected, of which eight to 13 could develop into hurricanes and four to seven could reach major hurricane status, the Barbados Association of Retired Persons (BARP) is keeping a close eye on the impact this could have on older people. The association’s concerns echo the theme of this year’s World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, which places a strong emphasis on older people in emergency situations.
Marilyn Rice-Bowen, president of BARP, said older adults who live alone and have severe health conditions or limited mobility can be the most vulnerable when disaster strikes due to limited access to assistance, medical care, support services and evacuation.
Rice-Bowen noted that the island’s aging population faces other huge threats from climate-related illnesses such as heat stroke, dengue fever, respiratory infections and asthma.
“The health of our members is BARP’s top priority,” the chairperson said. “Throughout the year, we conduct workshops and screening clinics with key partners, and we also liaise with the Ministry of People’s Empowerment and Aging to bring these issues to their attention and work with them to find workable solutions,” she said.
Through discount partnerships with businesses islandwide, members can mitigate the rising costs of goods and services, allowing them to feel safer during the current hurricane season.
In the coming weeks and throughout the hurricane season, BARP will conduct educational activities for members about the challenges posed by disasters.
“We cannot emphasize enough the importance of preparedness,” Rice-Bowen said. “We encourage our members to familiarize themselves with nearby shelters, restock medications, store water and food, and keep important documents in a safe and dry place.”
She added: “We are also calling on family, friends and neighbours to do their part to protect seniors, not only during times of disaster, but throughout the year.”
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