A Comparative Study of the Elderly Needs and Coping Capacities in Disasters and Emergencies: Implications for Healthcare Systems

Introduction: The elderly has special needs in disasters, and their lives and health status are affected by disasters. Two countries, Iran and Germany, were selected to study and analyze the different aspects of the elderly's needs and capabilities in disasters. This study aims to identify and compare the needs and capacities of the elderly in disasters in Iran and Germany and suggest implications for healthcare systems. Method: The present research is a comparative study using a scoping review. Relevant keywords were searched on the Web of Sciences, PubMed, and Scopus. Two researchers selected the final references using title and abstract screening based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: A total of 18 references were selected for the final analysis. Earthquakes and heat waves were the most common disasters in the studies of Iran and Germany. The elderly status in disasters was explained in terms of vulnerability/needs, capacities/capabilities, assessment/measurement, and the interventional approach. Conclusion: Comparing the elderly conditions in disasters in Iran and Germany can result in useful implications for policy-making and management. Hazard risk analysis and assessment, special training for nursing home staff, and improving the elderly's disaster risk perception are highly suggested.