Study to Analyze Impact of Bear Appearances on Elderly People

Akita, April 10 (Jiji Press)–A study is planned to analyze the impact of bear appearances on the daily lives and mental health of elderly residents in Akita Prefecture, which had the largest number of bear attack victims in Japan in fiscal 2025. The study will be led by Hidetaka Ota, head of Akita University’s Advanced Research Center for Geriatric and Gerontology. “We expect the study findings to be useful for other prefectures,” Ota said. In the northeastern prefecture, 67 people were attacked by bears, including four fatalities, in the year that ended in March. Bear sightings were reported even in urban areas. During that fiscal year, Ota and others began a project to support dementia prevention efforts for elderly people, including conducting cognitive function tests. According to them, about 10 pct of the project participants reported difficulty visiting doctors or exercising outside since bear sightings increased around last autumn. In light of such voices, the Ota-led team will conduct a new survey in fiscal 2026 to ask elderly people how bear sightings have affected their frequency of outings and their physical and mental state. A previous survey conducted by Ota and others during the COVID-19 pandemic showed that 27 pct of respondents had gone out less frequently since the declaration of a state of emergency. The survey also revealed a rise in depressive tendencies. Ota pointed out that the pandemic was similar to the bear situation in that people were restricted from going out. Meanwhile, the cognitive function tests showed that about 40 pct of participants had mild cognitive impairment as of the end of last year. Ota showed concern that elderly people who refrain from going out due to fear of bear attacks could develop more serious conditions. “A situation in which people cannot go out could also occur during disasters such as floods and earthquakes,” Ota said. “Based on the study outcome, we hope to provide a new perspective (on measures to prevent physical and mental health issues).” END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]