2 Cause/background of increase in number of elderly offenders

  As shown in Chapter 1, Section 1, at present the aging of society is rapidly progressing in Japan as the average life expectancy of the elderly has increased (see Fig. 7-1-5), and the elderly population is now increasing sharply (see Fig. 7-1-3).
  The present environment surrounding elderly offenders (see Chapter 3, Section 2,1) shows that, as the criminal tendencies of elderly offenders progress, their residential status becomes less stable and the number of those with no spouse and living alone increases (see Fig. 7-3-2-10 through to Fig. 7-3-2-12). Their relationships with their relatives also weaken (see Fig. 7-3-2-13). Hence elderly offenders of high criminal tendencies live solitary lives and are isolated from their surroundings. Many elderly offenders with high criminal tendencies have histories of substance addiction (see Fig. 7-3-2-18) that is apt to lead to crimes, but quite a few of them have not received welfare support for such problems.
  With regard to their financial situation such as employment status and source of income, etc., the number of those with unstable employment and low incomes increase as their criminal tendencies progress. In addition, the number of those having no income without receiving welfare support such as public assistance is increasing significantly (see Fig. 7-3-2-14 through to Fig. 7-3-2-17). Since they are financially unstable and hard pressed to make a living, the possibility of them repeating further offenses is high.
  The higher the criminal tendencies of elderly offenders, the more serious the problems such as being socially isolated and financially unstable they will have. This is considered to be generally the major cause for the increase in number of elderly offenders.