HJBR May/Jun 2026

40 MAY / JUN 2026 I  HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF BATON ROUGE COLUMN  SENIOR HEALTH ALONG the Gulf Coast, hurricane sea- son is a fact of life. For many residents, preparation becomes routine — stocking bottled water, checking flashlights, review- ing evacuation routes, and watching the weather forecast a little more closely. But for older adults, particularly those with chronic medical conditions, hurricane season represents more than an inconve- nience or disruption. It represents a signifi- cant and often underestimated health risk. When we talk about disaster prepared- ness in healthcare, we often focus on hospitals, emergency response systems, and evacuation logistics. Less frequently discussed, but equally important, is what happens to older adults managing chronic illnesses when the power goes out, phar- macies close, caregivers cannot travel, or evacuation becomes necessary. For this population, the danger is often not the storm itself, but the interruption of routine medical care that follows. for cardiac events, respiratory issues, and complications related to diabetes. These are not unusual or unexpected outcomes; they are predictable consequences of dis- rupted care. Power outages present another major risk, particularly in the Gulf South where extreme heat and humidity follow many storms. Older adults are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses, and without air conditioning, the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke increases sig- nificantly. Additionally, many older adults rely on electrically powered medical de- vices such as oxygen concentrators, CPAP machines, hospital beds, or refrigerated medications like insulin. When the power goes out for days, or sometimes weeks, these situations can quickly become life- threatening. Evacuation, while often necessary, also presents challenges. Many older adults cannot evacuate independently. They may Health Risks for Older Adults During Hurricanes Older adults are more medically vulner- able during disasters for several reasons. Many live withmultiple chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, COPD, or kidney disease that require daily manage- ment. They may rely on medications that must be taken on a strict schedule, medi- cal equipment that requires electricity, or caregivers who assist with daily activities. When a hurricane disrupts infrastructure and routines, these needs do not pause. In- stead, they become more difficult to man- age, and small issues can quickly escalate into medical emergencies. One of the most common post-disaster health issues among older adults is the exacerbation of chronic disease. When patients cannot access medications, main- tain proper nutrition, stay hydrated, or attend dialysis or medical appointments, we often see increases in hospitalizations Gearing Up for Hurricane Season: Preparing Seniors Before the Storm