Of those 37,227 Japanese people who died alone in their homes in the first half of the year, some 3,939 went unnoticed for over a month.

Almost 40,000 people died alone in their homes in Japan during the first half of 2024, a report by the country’s police shows.

Of that number, nearly 4,000 people were discovered more than a month after they died, and 130 bodies went unmissed for a year before they were found, according to the National Police Agency.

Japan currently has the world’s oldest population, according to the United Nations.

The agency hopes its report will shed light on the country’s growing issue of vast numbers of its aging population who live, and die, alone.

Taken from the first half of 2024, the National Police Agency data shows that a total of 37,227 people living alone were found dead at home, with those aged 65 and over accounting for more than 70%.

  • Jo MiranEnglish
    37·
    15 days ago

    This will probably be me if I outlive my wife. Is it wrong that the only thing that bothers me about the scenario is the fate of my dogs?

    • wetsoggybread@lemmy.worldEnglish
      26·
      15 days ago

      2 options. 1: if possible get a dog door so that your pets can at least get outside in case something happens, become friebdly with your neighbors so they might notice any abnormalities, set up a truat fund for them (like thar lady in the aristocats) 2. Dont outlive your wife

    • grrgyle@slrpnk.netEnglish
      14·
      15 days ago

      No but you should acquire a friend or two so you can check in on eachother periodically. Yeah I’m a loner too and I know it’s a bother, but just do it. The benefits are many and well documented.

      It’s just being pragmatic. I have a pact with a friend that we’ll adopt the others’ dog if something happens to us

    • Mike D.@lemm.eeEnglish
      1·
      15 days ago

      I’ve met most of neighbors while walking my dogs. There is a nice backyard but they LOVE going on walks and car rides.