- Title:
-
The Risks, Perceptions and Experiences of Fire Among Older People
- Date:
- May 2007
- Organisations
- NZFS
- Authors:
- Ian Miller, Judith Davey
- Location:
- New Zealand, New Zealand
Overview
New Zealand’s population is ageing and from the late 2030’s it is expected that over one-quarter of the population will be over the age of 65. This paper addresses the reasons for the increased residential fire risk for older people.
Information on older peoples experience and perception of fires in the home was gathered through:
- a literature review
- analysis of Coroners reports for residential fire deaths involving older people
- structured interviews with older people who had recent experience of a fire in the home
- focus group discussions with older people.
- agencies responsible for providing safe housing for many elderly.
Effective fire safety interventions will require the collective involvement of:
- health and social agencies
- voluntary organisations
- fire services, and
- most importantly older people themselves as they have a direct interest in reducing the risks from a range of hazards in their lives.
