According to the latest figures from the state of Louisiana, 71% of those who died due to the effects of Hurricane Katrina were over 60 years old. 85% were over 50. As a rough reference, according to the 2000 census, 11.7% of the total population was 65 or older.
The race issue was a red herring, because the age, and not the race, breakdown was always where the real story was. This may sound harsh, but I'd love to know how many people didn't bother to go get Granny and/or Grandpa when they were high-tailing it away from the storm? Over 700 people aged 60 and over are dead. How many of them had younger relatives near-by who evacuated before the storm hit?
Sure, the government - all levels - has to take some responsibility, but I can't shake the feeling that America is reluctant to face up to the fact that many people simply don't really care that much about their mothers, fathers and grandparents. I bet if Katrina had hit Mexico or India or Bangladesh, the death toll may well have been higher, but not so disproportionately elderly. Outsourcing your parents' medical care is one thing, but it seems like some Americans have outsourced love and concern for them as well.
