Japan is home to the world’s oldest population, with over 29% of the population age 65 and above. Traditionally these elders have lived with and been cared for by family, but increasing numbers of aging Japanese citizens of more than 6 millions find themselves living alone. More than half of all elderly Japanese women who live alone live in poverty, compared to 29% of elderly men. With more elderly living alone and having less family assistance and fewer government resources to depend on, petty crime among the elderly has gone up. Almost 1 out of 5 women in prison are elderly. Nine out of 10 of senior women who’ve been convicted of a crime were found guilty of shoplifting so they can spend the rest of their lives in prison with stability and a community. Prison is more of a refuge for many, providing not just the care they can’t get elsewhere but a community of sorts providing social interaction. In Japan, there’s also rising discussion of the problem of “kodokushi” — a solitary death at home which may go unnoticed for days or even weeks. “Social isolation causes not only adverse health condition but also a sad death”.
Credit: IN THE NOW
