Immobility, Older Adults and Adaptation to Tropical Cyclones: Insights from Coastal Bangladesh.

This study examines the interplay of immobility, adaptation, and tropical cyclones (TCs) among older adults in Gabura Union, a cyclone-prone coastal area of Bangladesh. Using qualitative methods including focus groups and interviews, it finds that many elderly residents choose to remain immobile during cyclones due to strong emotional attachments to their homes, reliance on local natural resources for livelihood, physical limitations, and financial constraints. Despite increased risks, older adults often return to their familiar surroundings after seeking temporary shelter, highlighting immobility as both a coping strategy and a consequence of socio-economic marginalization. The research underscores the importance of age-sensitive disaster management policies that incorporate early warning systems, resilient infrastructure, and social support networks to enhance the safety and well-being of older populations facing climate-related hazards.