About 68,000 elderly people in Japan are estimated to die alone at home each year without being noticed, according to data from the National Police Agency. From January to March this year, 21,716 people experienced “lonely deaths,” with nearly 80 percent, or 17,034, aged 65 and over.
The phenomenon of lonely deaths, where individuals pass away unnoticed and are only discovered after some time, is particularly concerning in a country facing a rapidly aging population. In response, the Japanese government has been actively addressing social isolation and loneliness, including passing relevant legislation in May 2023.
The police continue to gather data on these deaths as part of broader government efforts to address the challenges of an aging society. Most of the deceased were found in the age group of 85 and over, highlighting the gravity of isolation among the older population.
