3 Conclusion

  This section summarized the various issues elderly probationers/parolees have and showed the necessity for improvement in coordination of the social circumstances, etc. during probation/parole supervision treatment or at an earlier stage. About half the elderly (age 65 or older) in Japan, in general, have subjective symptoms of health problems of some kind. However, as shown in Fig. 7-1-6, the number of persons aged 65 or older who are employed is increasing. Of those over 65 years of age (65 to 69), about half of males and about 30% of females are employed. Over 30% of elderly (age 65 or older) gave “maintain health” as a reason for their willingness to be employed, a higher percent ratio than “in need of income” (Source: Annual Report on the Aging Society: 2008). This reveals their own wish to maintain their vitality through social participation. When considering treatment of elderly probationers/parolees from such a viewpoint, it is not a matter of making the choice between the two, facilitating financial self-sufficiency and making adjustment for welfare support, but it is necessary to respect their feelings and reasons for living. With this as the base, properly identifying the needs of elderly probationers/parolees and providing the required support both for employment and welfare aid, etc. will be the key to the treatment of elderly probationers/parolees.