Abstract
The 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and consequent Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station accident caused a large-scale evacuation, generating various health issues. Although residents gradually returned, their independence of daily living and associated factors remain unknown. This study examines the hypothesis that physical and mental status are associated with the instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) of older returnees (65 years and above) after the disaster. Older returnees to Kawauchi Village, Fukushima Prefecture, located 20–30 km southwest of the power plants, were recruited. IADL was assessed using the Japan Science and Technology Agency Index of Competence, physical function via the 30-s chair stand test, and mental health via the Japanese version of the World Health Organization Five Well-Being Index. To examine the association of IADL and possible factors, a t-test or Pearson’s product-moment correlation coefficient was used, stratified by sex. The data of 29 participants (75.5 ± 7.4 years, 19 female) were analyzed. Physical function was associated with IADL in females. Mental health was associated with IADL in males and females. Taking measures to strengthen physical function in females, as well as to improve mental health in both sexes, for enhancing IADL ability could be beneficial.
Highlights
The global trend is toward reduced fertility rates, increased life expectancy, and population aging
We did not have the exact number of older adults residing in Kawauchi village at the time of measurement, the latest data show that the number was 838 as of September
This study showed the status of instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) in areas affected by the nuclear accident
Summary
The global trend is toward reduced fertility rates, increased life expectancy, and population aging. In Japan too, there has been a surge in the aging population: the proportion of older adults, expressed as the percentage of those aged 65 or older, reached. Age is a major predictor of care needs [2] because of the inevitability of functional decline. The extension of healthy life expectancy is one of the targets of “Healthy Japan 21 (the second term)” promoted by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare since 2013 [5]; the goal is to ensure that all citizens—from infants to older adults—have hope and live a meaningful life while supporting each other.
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