Compound Disaster Exposure and Preparedness Among Older Adults: The Amplifying Role of Caregiving Responsibility.

Abstract

Older adults are especially vulnerable during disasters, yet the factors influencing their preparedness remain underexamined. This study investigates whether exposure to compound disasters (multiple, overlapping hazard events within a year) is associated with greater preparedness among older adults and whether caregiving responsibilities moderate this relationship. Using data from the 2022 and 2023 FEMA National Household Surveys (N = 4,075), we employed multivariable logistic regression to assess the impact of compound exposure and its interaction with caregiving status on preparedness. Results show that compound exposure increased the likelihood of being well-prepared, and caregiving responsibilities intensified this effect. These associations remained robust after controlling for demographic, socioeconomic, and psychosocial factors, including coping appraisal and information-seeking behavior. The findings suggest that caregiving may function as a motivator, enhancing protective action in high-risk contexts. Tailored preparedness initiatives that engage older caregivers may be critical for advancing disaster resilience in aging communities.