3 Necessity for research on elderly offenders

  As described above, the aging of society in Japan is progressing at a rate such that the population of elderly will double over the next 20 years, but the number of elderly offenders will increase at an even higher rate. As the elderly population grows, it is expected that the number of elderly offenders will also increase accordingly. The rate of increase, however, does not match, and in reality the rate of increase in the number of elderly offenders will far exceed that of the elderly population.
  This situation of course is not at all desirable, thus making it necessary to conduct studies on the cause of that situation and measures to resolve it in order that an aged society where elderly can live fulfilling lives can be realized.
  Efforts should first be made to reveal the real cause of the increase in number of elderly offenders. And as it cannot simply be explained by the growth of the population of elderly, there must be other explainable reason related to society, the generation itself, or something else. In order to thoroughly clarify the reasons, various researches should be conducted and the data then be analyzed. This will be the first step in studies on elderly offenders since no effective measure can be mapped out without first thoroughly clarifying the cause.
  In addition, any applicable measures will have to meet the needs in counteracting the increase in elderly offenders, otherwise they will be useless. And there is generally more than one conceivable measure. Therefore it is necessary to carefully discuss them and evaluate the merits and demerits before making any choices.
  A series of such processes can be expected to prevent the emergence of new elderly offenders. In addition, the reform and rehabilitation of repeat offenders who have become elderly may very well play a key role in realizing a society where elderly can live fulfilling lives. Research on elderly offenders, therefore, is considered to be essential social science work in the realization of a healthy aged society.