The increase in Delaware’s 65+ population continues to be relatively high compared to other states which requires thoughtful planning. DE-PLANs compiles social vulnerability, census data, social services, infrastructure, and hazard information to assist state, county, and local entities with hazard risk assessment, mitigation, grant writing, and emergency services related to older adults. According to the State of Delaware All-Hazard Mitigation Plan, 2018, Delaware’s top hazards are coastal flooding, nor’easters and extratropical storms, and hurricanes and tropical storms. The pandemic, combined with the nation’s history of hurricanes provides evidence that older adults are disproportionately impacted by disasters. As the current state’s 65+ population ages, leaders, providers, and planners are presented with challenges around infrastructure, and support services. DE-Plans is one resource that can provide continual support for local officials and policymakers to use in this process.
