Aging Vulnerability in Natural Disasters:Lessons from Japan’s 2011 Tohoku Earthquake

The 2011 Tohoku earthquake disproportionately impacted the elderly, as evidenced by their overrepresentation in casualties, evacuation obstacles, disrupted medical care, and long-term physical and psychological decline. Despite accounting for 33.8% of the population, those aged 65 and older made up over 60% of all deaths and 89% of post-disaster-related deaths. Japan’s preparedness, known as “one of the best prepared for emergencies,” has mitigated disaster impacts through “Bosai culture,” strict building codes, and public education. However, the earthquake highlighted the vulnerability of aging societies, exacerbated by financial factors, location, and insufficient government response.