Authored By: Celine Kim
Joji, a 50-year-old Japanese man was found dead under six metric tons of pornographic magazines. He was a victim of kodokushi. He died from a sudden heart attack, and his body was buried deep under his collection of magazines. His death went unnoticed for a month because the magazines absorbed the body fluids, preventing a strong odor from spreading [1]. His absence was only discovered after unpaid bills prompted an investigation, which led to the tragic discovery. Experts say many kodokushi cases are uncovered similarly, either through the smell of decomposition or the leaking of bodily fluids [2].
Kodokushi (孤独死), also known as lonely or solitary death, is a severe socioeconomic and health care issue prevalent in East Asian countries like Japan that are experiencing rapid population aging. In simple terms, kodokushi refers to elderly individuals who die alone and remain undiscovered for an extended period. This tragic phenomenon has been increasing in Japan since the 1980s, and according to the National Police Agency, approximately 68,000 elderly people are found dead alone annually [3]. What does this imply? It indicates the urgent problems faced by older populations today: social isolation and a lack of support systems.
Social Isolation
The Japan Times reported that 15% of men and 22.1% of women aged 65 and above live alone in Japan. These figures are projected to increase to 26.1% for men and 29.3% for women by 2050 [4]. Why is Japan's aging population increasing? It is a result of the combination of a high life expectancy and low fertility rate. The World Economic Forum reports that more than 1 in 10 people in Japan are aged 80 or above with high life expectancy attributed to healthier diets and rapid economic growth [5]. While longevity is a positive development, the problem lies in the fact that this aging population is often neglected by society, left uncared for, and socially isolated.
A survey shows that over 10% of elderly Japanese aged 65 and older have no close relatives, and this number is expected to rise by 1.5 times by 2050 [6]. This means that many elderly people are forced to live alone, without anyone to talk to or to call when they need help. This growing social isolation contributes to deteriorating mental health and higher mortality rates. The American Psychological Association highlights that the risks of social isolation include "depression, poor sleep quality, impaired executive function, and impaired immunity at every stage of life," underscoring the devastating effects of loneliness [7].
Lack of Support Systems
A survey by the National Institute of Population and Social Security Research reveals that "1 in 7 single elderly men spoke with someone just once every two weeks or less" [8]. This lack of social interaction implies that even when elderly individuals are in urgent need of help, they often have no one to turn to. Subsequently, this leads to their health conditions being neglected, sometimes even after death.
Even when elders attempt to seek help on their own, they face difficulties. Many services, such as moving into a nursing home or accessing basic healthcare, require a guardian or family member to be present. This poses a serious problem for those without close family members. One such example was shared by Seiji Kamamura, a social worker at Saiseikai Kanagawaken Hospital in Yokohama. A patient seeking housing after discharge was rejected by more than 20 facilities simply because he lacked a guardian [9].
Elderly people in Japan also suffer from a lack of financial support. Nearly 20% of Japanese seniors live below the poverty line, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) standards, and the situation is worse in South Korea, where the figure is 40% [10]. This economic insecurity means many elderly individuals cannot afford basic necessities such as food and healthcare [11].
Possible Solutions
Addressing the issue of kodokushi starts with understanding the perspectives of elderly individuals living in isolation. Many of them fear social stigma and are ashamed to ask for help, fearing judgment from others. This fear is common among seniors worldwide, who often avoid confronting their deteriorating health or other challenges to avoid being labeled as incompetent [12]. Changing societal attitudes and creating a more welcoming environment can help bridge the gap between elderly individuals and society, encouraging them to seek the help they need. This, in turn, could reduce social isolation and promote inclusion.
At the national level, government initiatives are crucial. One key program is the Community Care "Neighborhood" system, which focuses on maintaining the health of the elderly, providing advice on housing, and offering consultation services [13]. It is vital that communities work together to enhance efforts aimed at combating kodokushi, ensuring elderly people do not slip through the cracks and are given the care and attention they deserve [14].
Works Cited
In “kodokushi” or “Godoksa”, Japan and South Korea find a sad reality of “lonely death.” Firstpost. (2024, May 15). https://www.firstpost.com/world/in-kodokushi-or-godoksa-japan-and-south-korea-find-a-sad-reality-of-lonely-death-13770981.html
Guardian News and Media. (2024, July 1). Life at the heart of Japan’s lonely deaths epidemic: “I would be lying if I said I wasn’t worried.” The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jul/01/life-at-the-heart-of-japans-solitary-deaths-epidemic-i-would-be-lying-if-i-said-i-wasnt-worried
News, K. (2024, May 14). Around 68,000 elderly die alone in Japan annually: Police. Kyodo News+. https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/05/37eb4f3f6987-around-68000-elderly-die-alone-in-japan-annually-police.html
Editorial: Japan’s family-based social system failing to help isolated elderly. The Mainichi. (2023, August 21). https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230821/p2a/00m/0op/011000c
The Economist Newspaper. (n.d.). Japan and South Korea are struggling with old-age poverty. The Economist. https://www.economist.com/asia/2024/05/02/japan-and-south-korea-are-struggling-with-old-age-poverty
In “kodokushi” or “Godoksa”, Japan and South Korea find a sad reality of “lonely death.” Firstpost. (2024a, May 15). https://www.firstpost.com/world/in-kodokushi-or-godoksa-japan-and-south-korea-find-a-sad-reality-of-lonely-death-13770981.html
American Psychological Association. (n.d.). The risks of social isolation. Monitor on Psychology. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2019/05/ce-corner-isolation
News, K. (2024a, May 14). Around 68,000 elderly die alone in Japan annually: Police. Kyodo News+. https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/05/37eb4f3f6987-around-68000-elderly-die-alone-in-japan-annually-police.html
Guardian News and Media. (2024a, July 1). Life at the heart of Japan’s lonely deaths epidemic: “I would be lying if I said I wasn’t worried.” The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jul/01/life-at-the-heart-of-japans-solitary-deaths-epidemic-i-would-be-lying-if-i-said-i-wasnt-worried
Life satisfaction. OECD Better Life Index. (n.d.). https://www.oecdbetterlifeindex.org/topics/life-satisfaction/
The Economist Newspaper. (n.d.-a). Japan and South Korea are struggling with old-age poverty. The Economist. https://www.economist.com/asia/2024/05/02/japan-and-south-korea-are-struggling-with-old-age-poverty
In “kodokushi” or “Godoksa”, Japan and South Korea find a sad reality of “lonely death.” Firstpost. (2024a, May 15). https://www.firstpost.com/world/in-kodokushi-or-godoksa-japan-and-south-korea-find-a-sad-reality-of-lonely-death-13770981.html
Survey: Over 10% of Japanese elderly to have no close kin in 2050. chinadailyhk. (n.d.). https://www.chinadailyhk.com/hk/article/594657
Guardian News and Media. (2024a, July 1). Life at the heart of Japan’s lonely deaths epidemic: “I would be lying if I said I wasn’t worried.” The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jul/01/life-at-the-heart-of-japans-solitary-deaths-epidemic-i-would-be-lying-if-i-said-i-wasnt-worried
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