LA residents of all ages were affected by the 2025 wildfires, from young couples just starting their families to senior citizens marking decades in the neighborhoods they’ve called home.
While many stories, understandably, focus on the pressing needs of children after a tragedy, the elderly are often left behind—both literally and figuratively. They not only risk suffering greater health risks from natural disasters, but they are often overlooked or forgotten during crises. Just glimpse at the headlines: Residents of the Mirador Apartments, a community of low-income and formerly-unhoused seniors, say they were stranded during the Eaton fires. A 100-year-old woman was nearly left behind in Altadena’s MonteCedro Retirement Community. And tenants of the Altadena Senior Center are still waiting for answers from management after the Center was completely destroyed.
Months later, many senior citizens continue to struggle in their efforts to recover, but they’re not just waiting around for help. They are taking action, like the 93-year-old Holocaust survivor suing the city of LA and the World War II veterans who were honored in celebrating their 101st birthdays after escaping the fires.
To shed more light on how the elderly have been—and continue to be—impacted, we’ll explore some of the challenges they’re facing and share resources for those still rebuilding the homes and lives they’ve known.
The biggest issues still facing senior citizens
Beyond just restoring housing, senior citizens have to contend with unique obstacles that can make it difficult for them to find peace and stability after the fires. Some of these major challenges include:
- Lack of access to health care: Seniors may have trouble accessing the medicine and equipment they need on a day-to-day basis. They might also have to travel farther for doctors appointments depending on where they resettle, even temporarily.
- Shrinking support networks: Losing a home can mean losing a community of peers and caregivers that elderly folks rely on for socialization and support. These resources are especially critical when experiencing trauma and displacement.
- Worsening medical conditions: Poor air quality and ongoing stress can exacerbate conditions like heart disease, asthma, and COPD. Being uprooted from familiar routines and environments can also lead to psychological stress, which can be particularly damaging for seniors with cognitive issues.
- Loss of generational wealth: A recent study found that 57% of Black homeowners affected by the Eaton Fire in Altadena are over the age of 65. Many purchased their homes in the middle of the century, when Altadena became a sanctuary for Black residents, hoping to build and pass down their homes to future generations.
- Information gaps: Seniors may not have access to cell phones, computers, or internet service, making it tough for them to research nearby services and receive important information in an emergency.
- Starting over late in life: People in retirement, nursing homes, and hospice centers shouldn’t have to completely relocate and rebuild. But many are now faced with that reality. As 88-year-old Bobbie Watkins, who lost his condo in the Palisades Fire, said: "When you've saved all your life and been prudent and managed to get a place where you think you'll live the rest of your life and then poof—it's all gone, and you look around and wonder, 'What do I do now?'"
Resources for rebuilding and recovery
Thankfully, there are resources available to help senior citizens address some of these challenges and navigate the difficult process of relocating or rebuilding. From community advocates to local nonprofits, here’s a closer look at some of the services available to elderly residents impacted by the LA wildfires:
- Hope Now Community Resource Center: Based in Pasadena, Hope Now is a nonprofit that supports seniors with a range of services for their physical health and emotional well-being, such as social events and group counseling. Hope Now also connects seniors with local organizations and resources, helping them do everything from scheduling doctors appointments to signing up for Medicare or Medicaid.
- All Seniors Foundation: The All Seniors Foundation quickly jumped into action to help LA seniors navigate the wildfire crisis with free resources like medical equipment, home health services, and emergency supplies. Seniors can search and filter services by category and book appointments directly from the nonprofit’s websites.
- Pasadena Senior Center: While the Altadena Senior Center charts plans to rebuild, the Pasadena Senior Center has been providing assistance to neighbors affected by the Eaton Fire. Their services include $15,000 emergency assistance grants and a brand-new fire support hub at the Altadena Community Center. WATCH VIDEO
- Los Angeles County Aging & Disabilities Department: This specialized department published a chart of helpful resources for residents seeking assistance after the fires. By March 31, the Department had provided over 400 emergency meals to Altadena residents and made more than 13,000 wellness calls.
There are also stories of hope and recovery already underway. Altadena Meals on Wheels, for example, resumed their services in June after being forced to suspend operations following the fires; 38 of the organization’s 45 volunteers lost their homes in the aftermath. Now, Meals on Wheels is once again able to deliver hot meals to homebound senior citizens in the area. Meanwhile, LA County officials are working on creating a disaster registry to help connect people with disabilities and seniors with emergency responders.
It’s been roughly seven months since the fires broke out, and while there has been some progress towards recovery for senior citizens, there is still so much more to do. As local organizations continue their lifesaving work to help people rebuild, they must consider the unique needs of elderly residents, so those impacted can continue to live in the city they’ve long called home.
Disclaimer: The content shared in our blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, medical, or financial advice. Please consult with a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation.
