Disasters and Aging: Global Research Trends

Türkiye is frequently affected by natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and wildfires due to its geographical and climatic conditions. Older adults represent a particularly vulnerable group, facing increased physical, psychological, and social risks in the context of such events. This study was conducted as a bibliometric analysis to examine the scientific literature on the intersection of disasters and aging. A total of 442 publications were identified in the Web of Science Core Collection using the keywords “disaster” and “aging.” All retrieved records were analyzed using VOSviewer software to map patterns related to publication year, contributing countries, author collaboration, and keyword co-occurrence. In addition, a PRISMA-based content screening was performed, and 38 original articles were included for in-depth qualitative assessment. The findings demonstrate a substantial increase in research addressing disaster vulnerability among older populations, particularly after 2018. The limited number of Türkiye-originated publications highlights a need for more interdisciplinary and context-specific studies. This work aims to illuminate the structural features of the academic output at the intersection of aging and disasters, contributing to both scientific inquiry and policy development. In conclusion, disaster gerontology is of increasing global importance, and integrating age-sensitive perspectives into disaster research is crucial.