Nations across the Asia-Pacific region are currently facing a demographic shift, driven by factors including increased longevity and lower birth rates, that has been called the silver tsunami.

In that scenario, tsunami waves are a possibility. But, with California’s coastline being a coveted zone for communities and beachfront homes, just how devastating would a potential tsunami be?

“It’s a seismic shift reshaping every aspect of our society,” said Doug Schmidt, the inaugural dean of William & Mary’s new ...