17,000 elderly living alone died at home over three months from January to March - Japan survey

TOKYO - A survey by Japan's National Police Agency (NPA) showed Tuesday that 17,034 elderly people living alone died at home across the country in January-March, as reported by Jiji Press.

Based on this data, the total number of such deaths in 2024 is estimated to reach approximately 68,000.

The NPA conducted this survey for the first time amid ongoing government discussions about loneliness and isolation.

The survey covered 60,466 deceased individuals handled by police during the first three months of 2024.

Among them, 21,716 were people living alone, including those who died by suicide.

By age group, people aged 65 and over accounted for nearly 80 per cent of the 21,716 cases, including 2,080 people who were between 65 and 69, 3,204 between 70 and 74, 3,480 between 75 and 79, 3,348 between 80 and 84, and 4,922 aged 85 and older. - BERNAMA