Untapped: Elderly Civic Engagement In the Rebuilding of the Mississippi Gulf Coast

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

12-1-2012

Abstract

During the early morning of 29 September 2005, Hurricane Katrina slammed into the Mississippi Gulf Coast. From the hurricane and resulting floods, 1836 people lost their lives as a tidal surge as high as 30 feet swept inland. Residents of all demographic sectors were affected. Many residents became engaged in the rebuilding of the region. However, little was understood of the factors contributing to or limiting civic engagement by elderly residents. Thus, an assessment of the civic engagement by 199 older residents of Jackson County, MS was undertaken. Findings indicate that a majority of the senior residents of Coastal County desire to be civically involved. However, respondents noted issues of health, finances, not being informed of opportunities, and transportation as barriers to civic engagement. Income and the perception of need and community attachment were significant predictors of civic engagement. © 2012 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.

Publication Title

Community Development

Volume

43

Issue

5

First Page

599

Last Page

613

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