Japan is known largely for being the healthiest country to age in and having some of the world's longest-living and happiest communities. But many of its elderly population are struggling with loneliness, so much so that they choose to commit crimes and go to jail rather than be alone.
The country is currently experiencing a surge in elderly female prisoners aged 65 or older. A large number of these women are choosing to go to jail seeking friendship and healthcare to improve their quality of life rather than face loneliness in the outside world. In some cases, the women pay up to 30,000 Japanese Yen ($190) monthly to stay in prison.
"There are even people who say they will pay 20,000 or 30,000 yen ($130-190) a month (if they can) live here forever," Takayoshi Shiranaga, an officer at Tochigi Women's Prison, told CNN.
Why Do Elderly Women Choose the Prison?
Elderly women who go to jail are usually "cold" or "hungry," Shiranaga noted. Some have also been abandoned by their families. However, those who stay in jail are provided regular meals and free healthcare and eldercare. They would have to pay for the medical bills once they get out of prison, which leads most of them to stay there as long as possible.
To get into prison, more than 80% of elderly female prisoners steal, according to data from the Japanese government.
For perspective, Japan's elderly population (those aged 65 or older) has hit a record high of 36.25 million people. They make up 29.3% of the population.
Japan's Loneliness Epidemic
Studies show that nearly 40% of Japanese people report feeling lonely, with the issue particularly acute among the elderly and younger populations. The consequences of Japan's loneliness epidemic are severe.
Beyond mental health issues like anxiety and depression, loneliness also contributes to high suicide rates and solitary death, where individuals pass away unnoticed for extended periods.
In the first half of 2024 alone, almost 40,000 people died alone in their homes in Japan. Of those, nearly 4,000 were discovered over a month after they died, and 130 went unmissed for a year before their bodies were found, according to BBC News.
