More People Dying Alone

More people dying alone
Many elderly people die alone these days. The breakup of the extended family structure amid the march of urbanization as well as, possibly, the accompanying economic decline in rural areas may be responsible for weakening human bonds. To discuss the issue of dying alone, four government bodies — the internal affairs ministry, the health and welfare ministry, the national police agency, and the infrastructure and transport ministry — set up a panel of experts. The panel calls for reviving the sense of community among people in general and helping elderly people feel that they have a role to...

Read the full story
The Japan Times: All Stories 6/18/08 4:12 PM