The Perceptions and Experiences of Older People Living in the Aftermath of Lombok Earthquakes, Indonesia: A Qualitative Study

ABSTRACT Introduction Despite the growing knowledge of people's vulnerability following natural disasters, the perspective of older people has received limited attention. This study aimed to explore the perceptions and experiences of older people encountering the 2018 Lombok earthquakes. Methods This exploratory qualitative study involved 16 older people living in one of the villages most affected by the 2018 earthquakes in Lombok Island, Nusa Tenggara Barat, Indonesia. The data were collected in June 2019 using semi‐structured interviews. Participants' responses were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim for analysis. The data were analysed using qualitative content analysis managed in NVivo. Results From older people's perspectives, three themes were generated: surviving the disaster, dealing with life changes and navigating through challenges and hope. Each theme comprised two categories, which reflected the journey of older people from the early to the later phase of the disaster. Conclusions Older people experienced critical conditions and difficulties both physically and mentally. They also experienced various emotional responses before accepting living situations following a disaster. Nurses should play a role in fulfilling the physical and mental health needs of older people in post‐disaster conditions. Implications for Practice This study can inform nurses and other key stakeholders about the needs of older people during and after natural disasters. Nurses need to be equipped with the skills and abilities to identify and meet the needs of older people in difficult situations and with limited resources.