Vulnerability of displaced older adults: Lived experiences after the 6 February 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes in Türkiye

Natural disasters disproportionately affect older adults, exacerbating their physical, psychological, and social vulnerabilities through disrupted social networks, loss of place attachment, and prolonged grief. The 6 February 2023, Kahramanmaraş Earthquakes in Türkiye caused widespread post-disaster displacement, particularly impacting this vulnerable group. This qualitative study explored the lived experiences of vulnerability among older adults who migrated to Istanbul following the earthquakes. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 20 older adults (aged ⩾65 years) who experienced post-disaster displacement. Participants were selected through purposive sampling, and data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings revealed multiple interconnected dimensions of vulnerability. Displacement weakened social ties and diminished the sense of spatial belonging, with participants expressing deep longing for their former communities and homes. Disruptions in living arrangements further interrupted daily routines and established relationships, intensifying feelings of loneliness and social exclusion. Limited access to healthcare services compounded these challenges. In addition, the loss of loved ones triggered prolonged and often unrelieved grief, significantly heightening psychosocial vulnerability in the post-disaster period. This study highlights how disasters amplify existing vulnerabilities among older adults through psychosocial pathways. The results underscore the need for age-sensitive disaster response policies that prioritize continuity of social support, place-based interventions, and mental health services for displaced older populations.