Comparison of quality of life between elderly and non-elderly adult residents in Okuma town, Japan, in a post-disaster setting

Abstract

With the growing elderly population who are susceptible to poor health, improvement of their quality of life is essential. In the post-disaster setting of the 2011 Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant (FDNPP) accident, affected municipalities such as Okuma town commenced their recovery processes and lifted evacuation orders in 2019. This study examines the differences in self-reported mental and physical health status, social functioning, risk perception, and intention to return between elderly (age ≥65 years) and non-elderly (age 20–64 years) residents. Questionnaires were distributed to current residents and evacuees of Okuma. Results revealed that the elderly had a 1.4 times higher odds ratio (95%CI 1.0–1.8, p = 0.034) for having anxiety regarding radiation-related health effects on future generations and a 1.3 times higher odds ratio (95%CI 1.1–1.5, p = 0.001) for wanting to know about the release of FDNPP-treated water into the environment than the younger group. Elderly residents also demonstrated a 2.2 times higher odds ratio for reporting poor physical health than younger residents. Clearing misconceptions and disseminating coherent information will reduce risk perception among this group. Further in-depth research regarding the disposal of FDNPP-treated water and its perceived risks is required. Health promotion through the encouragement of social participation, improvement of surroundings to facilitate healthy behaviors, and enhanced access to health services will improve the quality of life of elderly Okuma residents.

Risk perception in long-term evacuees of Futaba town, Fukushima: a cross-sectional study reveals greater concerns outside the prefecture, 12 years after the accident

“…The main limitation of this study was the very few responses. This is similar to the historically low response rates observed in previous studies of Fukushima evacuees, mostly consisting of elderly individuals [ 15 ]. The aftermath of the 2011 disaster resulted in stakeholders, including government officials, academic institutions, and town councils, conducting surveys targeting residents.…”

Radiation injury and gut microbiota-based treatment

“…The high-powered waves of radiation therapy inevitably harm healthy cells and thus cause some radiation toxicities ( Kordahi and Chassaing 2021 ). Additionally, the Chernobyl and Fukushima nuclear power plant leaks, global nuclear war, and terrorist attacks related to nuclear weapons have exposed humanity to unprecedented levels of radiation, resulting in a range of health threats, such as mental health issues, anxiety, and increased morbidity ( Berwick and Shine 2020 , Hande et al . 2023 ).…”