1 September 2011
Value of “Oldie Army” in post quake recovery: new research
The Public Health Association Conference has been told that, rather than being a burden on emergency and other services
in the hours and days following the February earthquake in Christchurch, the over-65s proved to be a resilient and
energetic resource for recovery.
University of Otago PhD candidate Michael Annear’s thesis examines environmental influences on active ageing, and his
study phases were inadvertently aligned with the Canterbury earthquakes. More than 350 subjects completed surveys and
maintained activity diaries in the weeks after the September and February earthquakes.
Mr Annear told the delegates gathered at Lincoln University today, that the diaries indicated a surprisingly high level
of post-quake activity among the over-65s and significant resilience in the face of adversity.
“The average age of participants was 77 years, with some in their 90s and one over 100. All live independently in the
community. Like other groups, many suffered psychological trauma in the aftermath of the quakes, including reported
depression and anxiety, which was to be expected. What was unexpected, however, was the degree to which many of them
jumped into action when the shaking stopped.
“Many of our older residents were active in the recovery process, which was evident through their support for displaced
family members; counselling of friends and neighbours; clearing properties of silt and repairing earthquake damage;
setting up community resources, such as temporary markets, libraries and earthquake information centres; and supporting
relief workers with food and supplies,” Mr Annear said.
“Rather than being a post-disaster burden, older people in our communities appeared to be a significant resource in the
immediate aftermath and in the weeks following. As a society, we are quick to forget that older adults have a lifetime
of experiences, including exposure to previous disasters, which often help them cope much better than younger adults in
a crisis.”
ENDS