News
Japan Faces Alarming Rise in Unattended Deaths Amid Aging Population
A recent report by Japan’s National Police Agency reveals a troubling statistic: nearly 40,000 people died alone in their homes during the first half of 2024. This stark figure sheds light on the growing issue of isolation among the country’s aging population.
Of these deaths, nearly 4,000 individuals were discovered more than a month after passing away, and in some heartbreaking cases, 130 bodies remained unnoticed for a year or longer. The report underscores the challenges Japan faces as it navigates its status as the world’s oldest population, according to the United Nations.
The data shows that 37,227 people living alone were found dead at home, with those aged 65 and over comprising more than 70% of this number. The largest group of the deceased belonged to those aged 85 and above, accounting for 7,498 bodies. The 75-79 age group followed closely with 5,920 deaths, while 70-74-year-olds accounted for 5,635.
The National Police Agency hopes this report will bring attention to the serious issue of elderly people living and dying alone. The findings will be presented to a government group dedicated to addressing unattended deaths.
Japan has long been grappling with the consequences of its aging and declining population. Earlier this year, the Japanese National Institute of Population and Social Security Research projected that the number of elderly citizens living alone could reach 10.8 million by 2050, with single-person households expected to rise to 23.3 million.
In response, the Japanese government introduced a bill in April to tackle the country’s long-standing loneliness and isolation issues, which are exacerbated by the aging population. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has expressed grave concerns, warning that Japan is on the brink of societal dysfunction due to its declining birth rate.
This demographic crisis is not unique to Japan. Neighboring countries like China and South Korea are also facing similar challenges, with China experiencing its first population decline since 1961 in 2022 and South Korea reporting the lowest fertility rate in the world.
The report serves as a sobering reminder of the urgent need for policies and support systems to address the isolation and loneliness faced by Japan’s elderly population, as the country confronts the realities of its demographic shift.
In a devastating incident in eastern India, at least 46 people, including 37 children and seven women, have drowned while celebrating the Hindu Jivitputrika festival. The fatalities, which occurred across 15 districts within the past 24 hours, resulted from victims ritually bathing in rivers and ponds swollen by recent flooding.
The three-day festival, which honors children’s wellbeing, is traditionally marked by mothers fasting and families participating in ritual baths. This year, the swollen water bodies, exacerbated by recent floods, have turned the celebratory ritual into a deadly disaster.
Local disaster management officials have expressed fears that the death toll could rise further. State authorities have promised compensation for the families and relatives of the victims.
Fatal accidents during religious festivals are not uncommon in India, where large gatherings often take place with insufficient safety measures. This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by such gatherings, especially during adverse weather conditions.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have conducted airstrikes in Beirut, reportedly killing Mohammad Hussein Surur, a senior Hezbollah air unit leader. The Lebanese health ministry confirmed two deaths and 15 injuries from the attack. The strikes come amid escalating violence between Israel and Hezbollah, with both sides exchanging fire throughout the night and into the morning.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the IDF would continue to fight “with full force” against Hezbollah, aiming to dismantle the Iran-backed militant group. This marks a significant intensification of hostilities between the two sides, which have been exchanging rockets and airstrikes for days. The Lebanese health ministry also reported that 28 people were killed today by Israeli airstrikes.
In retaliation, Hezbollah launched 80 missiles targeting northern Israeli cities, including Safed. Israeli authorities have reported no casualties but noted significant property damage in Safed and Rosh Pina.
Amid the intensifying conflict, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin renewed calls for a diplomatic solution. The U.S., along with 11 other allied nations, has urged both Israel and Hezbollah to agree to a ceasefire to prevent further escalation and civilian casualties.
Ferry travel between the Isle of Man and Lancashire continues to face disruption due to strong winds over the Irish Sea. The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has cancelled Thursday’s 08:45 BST sailing of the Manxman to Heysham and its scheduled 14:15 return journey. This follows the cancellation of the vessel’s return trip from the Lancashire port on Wednesday evening.
The disruptions have affected postal services, with the Isle of Man Post Office reporting delays in deliveries from the UK. While local deliveries within the island remain unaffected, items posted on Wednesday for UK delivery may not reach Royal Mail’s network in time for Friday delivery.
Additionally, the ferry cancellations have caused a delay in newspaper deliveries, with no papers available on the island on Thursday, as confirmed by the island’s wholesale distributor.
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