How natural disasters affect health and disease in older adults and those with disabilities
Official title: The Long-Run Impacts of Natural Disasters on Mortality and Disease Burden Among US Elderly and Disabled Adults
Funded at National Bureau of Economic Research · NIH-11082428 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how natural disasters, like hurricanes and floods, affect the long-term health of older adults and people with disabilities, especially those with chronic conditions like Alzheimer's, to find ways to better support them during tough times.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | National Bureau of Economic Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2021 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $320,178 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG073365-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11082428 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include elderly individuals aged 65 and older, as well as those with long-term disabilities or chronic illnesses.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 65 and do not have disabilities or chronic health conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the long-term health impacts of natural disasters on elderly and disabled adults, particularly those with chronic conditions like Alzheimer's disease. By analyzing Medicare data from 1992 to 2017, the study aims to quantify the health risks associated with various disasters, such as hurricanes and floods. It will also explore how public policies can be optimized to improve disaster preparedness and response for vulnerable populations. The findings could help identify the most at-risk individuals and inform better health care strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health outcomes and resilience for elderly and disabled individuals during natural disasters.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that natural disasters significantly impact health outcomes, but this study aims to provide a more detailed understanding of long-term effects specifically among the elderly and disabled.
Where this research is happening
-
National Bureau of Economic Research
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Deryugina, Tatyana — National Bureau of Economic Research
- Study coordinator: Deryugina, Tatyana
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.