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.