TOKYO - The number of people aged 65 and over in Japan with no close relatives is expected to increase by 1.5 times by 2050, making up over 10 per cent of the elderly population, Kyodo news agency reported.
Those without kin up to the third degree, including great-grandchildren and great-nieces or nephews, would total 4.48 million, the Japan Research Institute said, raising concerns over who will act as guarantors for hospitals and care homes, and who will claim their bodies.
As fewer people marry in Japan’s ageing society, the number of people aged 65 and over with no relatives within the third degree is projected to rise from 2.86 million in 2024, according to estimates based on data from the National Institute of Population and Social Security Research.
The 2050 figure will represent about 11.5 per cent of Japan’s elderly population, estimated at 39 million.
Under Japan's Civil Code, relatives within the third degree are responsible for supporting their ageing family members.
Having a guarantor is crucial, as many care homes and medical facilities require one for their services.
The number of elderly people with no close kin, and who are certified as needing long-term care or support under public long-term care insurance, is expected to rise from 340,000 to 590,000 by 2050, according to estimates.
With a growing number of people without relatives using private care services, the government has introduced measures such as drafting guidelines for firms to prevent potential issues.
Estimates also show that the number of people aged 65 and over without children will increase from 4.59 million in 2024 to 10.32 million in 2050.
Within this group, the number of unmarried people is expected to rise from 3.71 million to 8.34 million over the same period.
In some cases, older people are also unable to rely on relatives due to strained relationships.
The Japan Research Institute’s figures show that the number of over-65s who cannot expect financial help from relatives in an emergency is likely to rise from 7.9 million in 2024 to 8.9 million by 2050. - BERNAMA-KYODO