Impacts of Tsunami Disaster in Thai Elderly Survivors

The psychological impact 4 years after 2004 tsunami affected the individual health status and living situation of survivors. Although Thailand rapidly received assistance and success in the relief response, mental trauma is still embedded within individuals. The purpose of this qualitative study was to describe individual experiences regarding to Tsunami impact in Thai elderly survivors after 4 years. Participants were 22 older adults, aged between 60 and 81 years, who had direct experience with various loss from the 2004 tsunami. Semi-structure in-depth interviews, audio-tape recordings, and field notes were used to collect data at participants’ homes. Thematic analysis was use to discover regularities and patterns among descriptions. Three major themes were found: 1) feelings of suffering and missing loved ones were still deep in the minds of participants, 2) coping with stress included reframing thoughts as “plong,” living with life understanding, doing activities for healing, support from family members, and building self-esteem, and 3) engaging in self-care behaviors to heal the mind and body included undergoing continuous care as necessary, seeking care both physical and mental health, and holding mind with Buddhist principle. The findings delineated Tsunami as a stressful life event that has had prolonged affected on individual’s lives. Older adult survivors still suffer from their lost and concern about their children’s lives. Although they found coping to live wisely, these survivors needed professionals helped for continuous care. Findings suggested that health care professionals would continue follow-up care with older adult survivor concern, managed self-care, and coping strategies with religious practice.