Department of Anthropology faculty member Dr. Eleanor Shoreman-Ouimet and graduate student Abigail Beckham are playing a key role in a multidisciplinary initiative to improve emergency preparedness for older adults living in Connecticut’s coastal communities. Through community listening sessions and focus groups, they helped identify local concerns—including communication during emergencies, medication access, pet care, and evacuation planning—which informed the development of practical preparedness resources, workshops, and educational materials. Their research is helping ensure that emergency planning reflects the real needs and experiences of older adults across the state.