Seniors were one of the hardest hit segments of the population when Superstorm Sandy ripped through our area. A new research project will look for better ways to help assist them when future disasters occur.

Thousands of seniors across the region were left in dark, unheated apartments without food or running water. Dr. Ruth Finkelstein from the New York Academy of Medicine says seniors are disproportionately affected by disasters.  

“In New York City, about 17 percent of the population are older adults. But more than 40 percent of the people who died in the storm are older adults. “

 Dr.Finkelstein says they received $285,000 in grant money to focus on the main challenges for older adults.

“Is it a matter of medication refills? Is it a matter of isolation and loneliness? Did people have the right information to decide whether to evacuate?”    

She says recommendations will be completed within a year.