Impact of flooding on the social and mental health of older adults- A scoping review

Flood disasters have a profound impact on the social and mental health of older adults. However, research on these effects remains limited, and a comprehensive understanding of their implications is lacking. This study addresses this gap through a scoping review of peer-reviewed literature, using the Disaster Pressure and Release model to analyze the vulnerabilities and risks older adults face during floods. Following PRISMA guidelines, we searched Web of Science, Scopus, and MEDLINE/PubMed in September 2022 and July 2024, identifying 6,492 studies. After screening and full-text review, 11 studies were included. The findings indicate that floods contribute to increased social isolation and limited social network support, and relatively fewer issues with a sense of place and belonging. Older adults also experience high levels of depression, anxiety, and PTSD, though sleep problems appear less common. With the low number of reviewed papers, findings highlight regional differences as significant gaps in current research. The study shows the need for better disaster preparedness strategies, stronger mental health support, and improved social help to mitigate the long-term effects of flooding on older adults. More research in different regions is important to create more effective policies and plans that meet the needs of older adults.