Abstract:
The main purpose of the study is to understand how senior
citizens cope and withstand impacts of disaster and how they adapt to new
ways of life resulting from disasters. In this study various methods were used
for data collection from primary as well as secondary sources. Secondary data
was collected from Divisional Secretariat, NGOs records, official records,
previously conducted studies, books, publications, journal articles, reports,
census data, internet and other relevant documents. Primary data were
collected through a questionnaire survey, key informant interviews, Focus
Group Discussions (FGDs) and case studies. The study found that prior to
the disaster the senior citizens were leading a life of guide, adviser, mediator
and decision maker in the family and community. In the social sphere they
took part in social activities and also played a leadership role in religious
activities. As far as economic activities were concerned senior citizens played
a less active role. They mostly led a dependent and sedentary life. But, the
disaster (Tsunami and ethnic conflict) had compelled more senior citizens to
depend on themselves or forced to depend on them. They engaged
themselves in economically productive life by involving in self employment
etc to face the disaster and its losses.
