“That’s the price of living in paradise:” coastal retirement and hurricanes

ABSTRACT

Coastal Carolina is a popular retirement destination. Ten individuals, previously interviewed regarding their decision to retire here, were re-interviewed after Hurricane Florence. This sample of eight women and two men, mean age 74.4 (range = 68–88), provided a unique opportunity to learn about their hurricane experiences and to compare their pre- and post-responses about their choice to move to the coast. Nine evacuated, including one to a local shelter. Respondents reported a lack of preparations, but neighbors played an important supportive role. Issues about the shelter and for single women were identified. Results have implications for future disaster preparations.

KEYWORDS:

• Evacuation
• older women
• disaster management

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).