Japan's elderly people living alone: Although financially secure, it is still difficult to get rid of loneliness

First published 9-24 22:53

Update time 9-25 05:46

The number of elderly people living alone in Japan continues to increase. Even if the economy is stable, it does not mean that loneliness can be completely eliminated. (Illustration, Bloomberg)

[Financial Channel/Comprehensive Report] The number of elderly people living alone in Japan continues to increase. Even if they are financially secure in retirement and live in well-equipped residences for the elderly, it does not mean that they can completely get rid of loneliness. An 80-year-old man in Japan received an annuity of about 170,000 yen (approximately NT$34,000) per month. He originally thought that "I can live well alone." Unexpectedly, during his first big vacation after moving into a senior citizen's home, he almost didn't talk to anyone all day, and suddenly shed tears while watching TV at night.

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Japanese media "THE GOLD ONLINE" reported that 80-year-old Kazuo (pseudonym), his wife passed away 6 years ago and has been living alone since then. Since both his children have married and live some distance away, he originally lived alone in Tuotianchu in the suburbs. However, as he grew older, it became increasingly difficult to mow the grass, clean the second floor, and maintain the roof and gutters.

At the age of 79, he decided to sell his house and move into a senior apartment with complete barrier-free facilities, public spaces and service staff. Kazuo's monthly annuity is about 170,000 yen. After adding the proceeds from the sale of the house and deposits, and evaluating management fees and other expenses, he feels that he can afford it financially.

After moving, he was quite satisfied with his new life. When I lived in Tuotiancuo, I occasionally didn't talk to anyone for a whole day. After moving into the apartment, I would bump into neighbors when taking the elevator, make acquaintances in the lounge, and join a Go club once a week.

However, the first major holiday season changed his mind. Neighbors who are familiar with each other are traveling with their children and grandchildren or returning home for reunions, and their own children also have their own family schedules. Public spaces that used to be crowded with people suddenly became deserted.

On the second day of the holiday, Kazuo went to a coffee shop and supermarket alone, and all he saw were couples, parents and children traveling together. After returning home, my son sent me photos of my grandchildren having dinner together. Looking at the photo, he suddenly realized: "I didn't seem to have a good conversation with anyone today." That night, while watching TV alone, he shed tears unknowingly.

This experience also made him discover that he actually relies heavily on interpersonal communication in the apartment. From then on, during consecutive holidays, he would take the initiative to invite his remaining chess friends to eat and play chess. He no longer required his children to get together during consecutive holidays, but would find other weekends that were convenient for each other to meet.

The report pointed out that in addition to pensions and housing, the problems faced by the elderly living alone are "how to maintain connections with people", which is also becoming a part of life after old age that cannot be ignored.

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