SCMP China reports: What happens to more than 1 million social recluses in the world’s fastest-ageing society when the last person who cared for them is gone? In the past, these recluses were thought of as a youth problem: troubled teenagers, rudderless young men. But that framing no longer holds.
Japan’s shut-ins are growing old, and the parents keeping them alive are growing older still. The average hikikomori is now 36.9 years old, according to the Asahi newspaper, citing a recent survey of 280 families conducted by Kazoku Hikikomori Japan (KHJ), an NGO providing support, guidance and community. More striking still, the survey suggests more than 43 per cent of hikikomori are now over 40 and nearly 13 per cent are past 50.
Background
Their carers – overwhelmingly ageing parents – averaged 66.3 years old.
Key facts
- What happens to more than 1 million social recluses in the world’s fastest-ageing society when the last person who cared for them is gone?
- In the past, these recluses were thought of as a youth problem: troubled teenagers, rudderless young men.
- Japan’s shut-ins are growing old, and the parents keeping them alive are growing older still.
Originally reported by SCMP China. This story has been edited and re-presented by BRIC Team.
