Japan sees rise in elderly dying alone amid rapidly aging population crisis

Photo : AFP

Nearly 40,000 people in Japan were found to have died alone in their homes during the first half of 2024, according to a report by the National Police Agency. Many of these individuals went undiscovered for an extended period, highlighting a growing societal issue in the country.

The report reveals that approximately 4,000 of these individuals were only found more than a month after their deaths, with 130 cases going unnoticed for over a year. The phenomenon of "kodokushi" or "lonely deaths" is becoming more prevalent as Japan, home to the world’s oldest population, continues to experience a surge in elderly citizens living and dying alone.

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A staggering 70% of those who died alone were aged 65 and over, with the largest group being individuals aged 85 and above, accounting for 7,498 deaths. The data also indicated that while 40% of the deceased were found within a day, a significant number of bodies remained undiscovered for much longer.

Japan’s rapidly aging population and declining birth rates have exacerbated this problem. The National Institute of Population and Social Security Research projects that by 2050, 10.8 million elderly people will be living alone, and single-person households are expected to rise to 23.3 million.

In response, the Japanese government has been working to address the issues of loneliness and isolation among the elderly. Various initiatives have been introduced, including community support programs and technological solutions, aimed at ensuring regular check-ins and monitoring of vulnerable individuals.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has voiced concerns over the nation’s ability to maintain its societal functions in the face of such dramatic demographic changes. The government is seeking comprehensive strategies to manage the profound impacts of an aging population and a shrinking workforce, issues that are increasingly shaping Japan’s future.

Aug. 31, 2024 3:27 p.m. 428

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