Adaptation of the elderly in shelters and temporary housing after the Great East Japan Earthquake: A focus on the interaction with their living environments

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the study was to clarify the adaptation of the elderly in shelters and temporary housing after the Great East Japan Earthquake, and provide new understanding about the elderly and their living environments. Methods: The study used a case study design. The participants were nine elderly people, survivors of the Great East Japan Earthquake. They were residents of temporary housing with experiences of living in shelters. Semi-structured interviews were conducted about living conditions, coping with difficulties, and enjoyable aspects of life. The interview period was from April to August 2013. Data from the interviews were analyzed qualitatively and inductively to describe the changes in the ideas and behavioral patterns of the elderly, and interactions with their living environments. Results: The ideas and behavioral patterns of the elderly changed through six phases; they were: "Recognize the reality of being a survivor and living life in shelters", "Try to recreate their way of life before the disaster", "Have difficulties living with the new environmental changes", "Form a foundation for their new life", "Realize they can cope with environmental changes", and "Be confident that they can manage their lives". Interactions with their living environments included interaction with family, evacuees, neighbors, and adjustment to daily life. Conclusions: The elderly have become more conscious of their way of life after the disaster through six phases. Community health nurses need the ability to help isolated elderly people to have chances of meaningful interaction with others, and to encourage the elderly to view their ability to cope with difficulties positively.