Research on Physical and Mental State and Influence of the Elderly in Disaster Areas under the Background of Reverse Hollowing

Abstract

Major natural disasters exert far-reaching and enduring negative impacts on affected regions, particularly on vulnerable demographics such as the rural elderly, who often have limited external resilience. This paper uses Wenchuan County in Sichuan Province as a case study. Following severe natural disasters, Wenchuan County has begun to exhibit a unique phenomenon of reverse hollowing, distinct from other common regions. In this context, the physical and mental health of the elderly is uniquely affected, with each aspect influencing the other. The physical condition of the elderly in disaster-stricken areas displays a bifurcation trend, showing a stark contrast between pre- and post-disaster states. Despite economic hardship, frequent geological disasters, and strained relationships between local cadres and groups, life satisfaction among the elderly is generally high. However, their psychological state reveals marked regional differences and an unbalanced distribution. Most elderly individuals in the affected areas are empty-nesters, typically experiencing a strong sense of loneliness. Based on these observations, the paper offers several suggestions for addressing these issues.