Lesson and Learned from the Older People in Case of Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami of 2011

As global aging progress, disaster preparedness for elders is becoming a critical issue because their special needs have not been well accommodated in the case of disaster relief. This study is prepared to share the experience of this crisis in East Japan with both developed and developing parts of world, so that we will be better prepared to accommodate the needs of older population in the future disaster relief effort.The study aimed to examine the lessons and learned older people faced as a result of their displacement, and to assess the impact of the disaster on their wellbeing and the forms of support available to them.The study was conducted in two cities in Iwate and Miyagi prefectures, selected for the severity of impact of the tsunami and the high concentration of older people. Data was collected between December 2012 and March 2013. About 70% of the survey respondents were at home when the earthquake began. More than half the respondents moved to their assigned evacuation sites. Almost half of respondents in both cities evacuated with family members, indicating the large numbers of older people living with or near to family members. Among the females under 75, the number that replied ‘Story and wisdom from the past’, ‘Tsunami Warning’ and ‘Training in Preparation for Tsunami’ were high. Disaster preparedness and training should build confidence and encourage older residents to take immediate and appropriate action in an emergency.