In an ageing society like Japan, challenges such as loneliness, poverty, and a lack of social support are becoming increasingly prevalent. For many older individuals, these struggles are so profound that they resort to criminal activity just to access the stability offered by prison life. The situation highlights pressing issues related to reduced inequality, social justice, and economic equality, all of which intersect with the UN Global Goals.
A crisis rooted in isolation and financial instability
Japan is grappling with a demographic crisis. With one of the world’s highest life expectancies and lowest birth rates, its elderly population is rapidly growing. By 2022, the number of prisoners aged 65 or older had quadrupled since 2003. Among female inmates, the most common crime is theft, often committed out of desperation.
More than 20% of people over 65 in Japan live in poverty, according to the OECD, compared to an average of 14.2% across member countries. Elderly women, in particular, face financial instability due to limited pensions and employment opportunities. For some, the allure of prison lies in the provision of basic needs such as food, shelter, and healthcare—services they cannot afford on the outside.
Many inmates report feelings of abandonment. Akiyo, an 81-year-old inmate at Tochigi Women’s Prison, described prison life as stable compared to her struggles outside. Her small pension left her unable to afford basic necessities, leading her to steal food. For some, the fear of loneliness and being unable to pay bills outweighs the stigma of incarceration.
The role of prisons as surrogate nursing homes
Japanese prisons are evolving to accommodate this ageing population. At Tochigi Women’s Prison, elderly inmates receive assistance with bathing, eating, and mobility. Inmates with nursing qualifications, like 51-year-old Yoko, help care for their peers when staff are unavailable.
This phenomenon highlights systemic gaps in social justice and eldercare. Despite government efforts, such as community support centres and early intervention programs, many older individuals lack access to affordable housing, healthcare, and companionship. These shortcomings push some to deliberately commit minor crimes to re-enter prison.
The challenges faced by Japan’s elderly population underscore broader global concerns about sustainability and economic equality. As populations age worldwide, other nations may encounter similar issues. Solutions require collaborative action, combining government policies with community-led initiatives.
Japan has started experimenting with programs to improve support for elderly citizens, including expanding housing benefits and creating specialised support services for former inmates. However, these measures may not suffice in a society projected to need 2.72 million care workers by 2040.
Why prison becomes preferable
Beyond material needs, prisons offer a sense of community that many elderly individuals lack. Inmates report finding companionship, routine, and dignity behind bars—contrasts to the isolation they face outside. For individuals like Akiyo, estranged from her family and burdened by shame, prison becomes a place of belonging.
This paradox—choosing incarceration over freedom—reveals how critical mental health support, social integration, and strong institutions are for elderly populations. The absence of these elements makes the structured environment of prison a more appealing option.
Organisations and Individuals Supporting Elderly People in Japan
The Global Society plays an essential role in tackling these challenges through initiatives aligned with the UN Global Goals. International collaboration can help design inclusive policies, share innovative eldercare practices, and promote economic security for vulnerable populations. Efforts to support elderly people in Japan, particularly those facing loneliness and poverty, come from a mix of government initiatives, non-profit organisations, and individual activists. Below are some notable contributors to addressing this issue:
1. Second Harvest Japan
Focus: Food security and reducing poverty.
Overview: Japan’s first food bank, Second Harvest, provides free meals and food support to low-income individuals, including the elderly. By addressing hunger, the organisation helps alleviate one of the key challenges faced by older individuals living on minimal pensions.
Website: www.2hj.org
2. Moyai Support Centre for Independent Living
Focus: Social integration and homelessness prevention.
Overview: Moyai supports older people facing housing insecurity or homelessness. The centre connects individuals to resources such as subsidised housing, healthcare, and counselling. It also promotes community activities to combat isolation.
Website: moyai.org
3. Elderly Welfare Activities by Nippon Foundation
Focus: Loneliness and quality of life for elderly people.
Overview: The Nippon Foundation funds projects aimed at supporting vulnerable elderly populations. Its initiatives include subsidising mobile nursing services, providing companionship programs, and improving access to community spaces.
Website: www.nippon-foundation.or.jp
4. Dr. Masahiro Kami – Medical Activist
Role: Advocate for elderly care reform.
Overview: Dr. Kami, a professor and director at the Medical Governance Research Institute, has highlighted the gaps in Japan’s healthcare and social services for older individuals. His advocacy emphasises community-based support systems and better access to medical care for the elderly.
Publications: He frequently writes and speaks on the plight of ageing individuals in Japan and ways to address their needs.
5. Sawayaka Welfare Foundation
Focus: Community-based eldercare.
Overview: The foundation develops “small-scale multifunctional community care centres” that offer a variety of services, including healthcare, meals, and companionship, to elderly individuals. These centres aim to reduce reliance on institutionalisation or prison as an alternative to proper care.
Website: www.sawayakazaidan.or.jp
6. HUREAI Kippu System
Focus: Bartering time for elderly care.
Overview: A unique initiative where individuals earn credits by providing care to elderly people, which can later be used for their own care needs or gifted to others. This time-banking approach fosters community connections and supports the ageing population.
Partners: Supported by local governments and community organisations.
7. Shigeaki Hinohara (1911–2017)
Role: Inspirational advocate for active ageing.
Overview: A pioneer of preventive medicine and eldercare in Japan, Dr. Hinohara was a passionate advocate for holistic support for older adults. His teachings emphasised staying active, maintaining social connections, and fostering purpose in life, which align with combating loneliness and poverty.
8. Older Women’s Network Japan (OWN)
Focus: Advocacy and community for elderly women.
Overview: This grassroots organisation addresses gender-specific issues like financial insecurity among older women. It provides workshops, legal support, and platforms for social interaction to combat loneliness and economic vulnerability.
9. Silver Human Resources Centres (SHRCs)
Focus: Economic empowerment for elderly people.
Overview: Operated by local governments, SHRCs help older adults find part-time work opportunities. These centres allow individuals to stay engaged and financially secure, reducing the likelihood of crime motivated by poverty.
These organisations and individuals are actively working to address the systemic and personal challenges faced by Japan’s elderly population. Their efforts highlight the importance of community-based solutions, economic empowerment, and sustainable support systems to create a society where ageing individuals can live with dignity.
Japan’s ageing population is a microcosm of global challenges in eldercare, economic equality, and justice. By addressing these issues through sustainable policies and collaborative efforts, societies can ensure dignity and support for all individuals, regardless of age.