“Let the Kids Go, I Die”: the Experiences of Older Adults Who Survived the Earthquakes in Türkiye Through Intersectional Perspective

Abstract

This qualitative study explores the experiences of older adult earthquake survivors in Türkiye, focusing on the intersectional challenges they faced after the earthquake of 6 February 2023. Older adults often have multiple vulnerabilities, such as age-related physical limitations, socioeconomic status, health conditions, and social isolation, which exacerbate their risks and needs during disasters. Using semi-structured interviews with 22 participants from different affected regions, this qualitative descriptive study sheds light on their problems with mobility, access to basic needs, and psychological distress. Using an intersectional framework, it explores how factors such as independence in transport, housing conditions, and family structure influence their experiences. The research emphasizes the importance of tailoring emergency response systems to address these unique challenges, including housing, healthcare, and psychosocial support. The findings show that older adults face both immediate physical and psychological challenges as well as long-term adaptation difficulties, emphasizing the need for comprehensive, inclusive disaster preparedness and response strategies. This study contributes to the literature by detailing the intersectional experiences of older earthquake survivors and advocating for policies and practices that ensure equitable support and resource allocation and ultimately promote more resilient communities.

Keywords:

• Earthquake
• intersectionality
• older adults
• qualitative research
• Türkiye

Acknowledgments

The authors extend their profound appreciation to the participants who generously shared their experiences, thereby facilitating a deeper understanding of the unique challenges confronting older adults in the aftermath of earthquakes.

Disclosure statement

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

Data availability statement

The qualitative data supporting the findings used in this study are available on request from the corresponding author. The data are not publicly available due to privacy or ethical restrictions.

Additional information

Funding

This study was granted by the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TÜBİTAK) under the 1002-C Natural Disasters Focused Fieldwork Emergency Support Program in 2023.

Notes on contributors

Bekir Güzel

Bekir Güzel is an associate professor in the Department of Social Work at Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, Türkiye. His main areas of research are social work, refugees, asylum seekers, immigrants, migration policies, international migration movements, labor migration and child labor.

Ozan Selçuk

Ozan Selçuk is an associate professor in the Department of Social Work at Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, Türkiye. His main areas of research are school social work, child protection, migration, disaster and psychosocial support.

Meliha Funda Afyonoğlu

Meliha Funda Afyonoğlu is an Assoc. Prof Dr. in the Department of Social Work at Selçuk University, Türkiye. Her main areas of research are intersectionality, gender studies, migration, non-governmental organizations and ethics.

Sinan Akçay

Sinan Akçay is an Assoc. Prof Dr. in the Department of Social Work at Selçuk University, Türkiye. His main areas of research are gender, mental health, and social work education.