The government is aware of the rise in older people preferring prison.
The phenomenon is now affecting women as well.
Japan has faced a demographic crisis marked by an aging population. Now, a growing problem is emerging: An increasing number of older adults committing crimes to gain access to free housing and welfare in prison.
In 1990, crimes committed by Japanese over 60 accounted for less than 5% of total offenses, according to the National Police Agency. That figure has risen more than 20 percentage points in recent years, a 450% increase.
The context. Crimes by the elderly have primarily involved petty theft, often committed out of necessity. Stealing items like a 200-yen sandwich can lead to a prison sentence of up to two years. Many older adults see incarceration as a way to secure housing and social welfare in their later years.
This trend has driven an unprecedented crime wave. Nearly 40% of thefts are now committed by people over 60—almost double the rate from a decade ago.
Loneliness among women. The problem isn’t confined to men. Japan’s aging population has created severe social challenges, particularly for older women facing poverty and loneliness. Many now see prison as a refuge.
In Tochigi Women’s Prison, the aging population reflects a broader societal issue. Economic hardship and a lack of family support have turned prisons into sanctuaries for many women who face exclusion and hopelessness outside.
Prison as a refuge. According to CNN, prison life in Tochigi offers stability unavailable in society. Inmates receive three meals daily, medical care, and companionship.
Akiyo, 81, is in prison for the second time after stealing food when her pension proved insufficient. She admits her actions were driven by desperation and a lack of family support. Akiyo’s story is emblematic of a growing trend in which elderly women turn to prison for stability.
Factors driving recidivism. Theft is the most common crime among older female inmates. Official data show that in 2022, over 80% of elderly female prisoners were incarcerated for theft, often due to economic necessity. The OECD reports that 20% of Japanese people over 65 live in poverty, significantly higher than the 14.2% average for OECD nations. With limited options, many older women deliberately commit petty crimes to return to prison, where they can access basic care unavailable to them outside.
The challenge of reintegration. A significant issue for Japanese authorities is the lack of support for older adults after their release from prison. Without family networks or community support, many ex-convicts find themselves isolated, increasing the likelihood of reoffending.
Government initiatives have introduced programs to help older ex-prisoners reintegrate, offering support for addiction recovery, independent living, and family reconciliation. However, these efforts face challenges amid limited resources and an accelerating aging population.
Adapting prisons for the elderly. According to CNN, Japanese prisons are adapting to meet the needs of elderly inmates. Facilities like Tochigi Women’s Prison now resemble nursing homes, offering assistance with hygiene, specialized medical care, and equipment for aging prisoners.
Younger inmates, like 51-year-old Yoko, who earned a nursing certificate during her sentence, assist with caregiving duties. Prisons have taken on dual roles as correctional and geriatric care facilities.
Future challenges. With one of the world’s lowest birth rates and the highest life expectancy, Japan faces a demographic crisis. Experts predict the country will need 2.72 million caregivers by 2040 to support its aging population.
The government is implementing policies to recruit healthcare workers and attract foreign labor, but comprehensive solutions are needed to address the economic and social causes of this crisis.
The rise in elderly women turning to prison, following a trend among men, underscores the magnitude of Japan’s aging problem. The government has already spent more than $40 million building new prisons to accommodate the growing number of elderly inmates.
Image | Joey Huang (Unsplash) | Umanoide (Unsplash)
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