The Well-Being of Elderly Survivors after Natural Disasters: Measuring the Impact of the Great East Japan Earthquake

The Great East Japan Earthquake of 11 March 2011 had a devastating impact on the north-eastern part of Japan. In the quasi-experimental situation, using panel data collected 6 months after the earthquake, the present study examines the causal effects of the disaster on both the economic and psychological well-being of elderly survivors affected by the earthquake and tsunami. The results by difference-in-difference estimation show that there was a significant impact on expenditure and employment, but little significant impact on subjective well-being or health. The impact on well-being and health of survivors may have been mitigated by the early economic recovery.