Consequences of the July 1996 floods on the concept of home and the biopsychosocial health of pre-retirees and retirees.

In July 1996, major floods destroyed several houses occupied by pre-retiree s (ages 50-59) and retirees (ages 60 and over). Faced with the task of relo cating and rebuilding a new home, several of those older adults lived throu gh difficult post-traumatic adaptation periods. The data collected during i n-depth interviews with 31 aging people clearly show that the biopsychosoci al health of pre-retirees and retirees, as well as their conception of home were greatly disturbed. The floods also had significant consequences on th eir behaviour, character and beliefs. A list of recommendations from the vi ctims interviewed to individuals, workers and different government departme nts shows the need to take into account the emotional distress of victims i n implementing emergency measures.