Current Status and Characteristics of Older Adults Living Alone in Japan

In examining the social isolation of Japanese older adults living alone, it is essential to clarify the nature and context of “living alone.” Generally, “living alone” refers to individuals residing in solitary environments without companionship or care from others. Terms such as “single” or “unmarried” may be used to describe this demographic group. However, older adults living alone represent a distinct group, referring to those without spouses—unmarried, divorced, or widowed—who either have no children or whose children are unable to provide daily care. The Japanese Cabinet Office employed the term “older adults living alone” in its annual White Paper on Aging Society (Saito, 2012) [ ].