More Grannies Behind Bars - Increased Crime Among Elderly
January 20th 2009 04:15
Inmates return to their cells from the exercise yard at Onomichi Prison.
To view more images of Onomichi Prison, follow this link.
There is one phenomenon in Japan which has earned itself headlines globally. That phenomenon is the rapidly increasing crime rates (mostly non-violent) amongst the Japanese elderly. According to the Guardian UK, over 60 year olds are the "fastest growing group of criminals in Japan". Apparently, the country incarcerates over 60s at a much faster than any other country in the industrialised world. Furthermore, this particular age group now makes up around 22% of the prison population (International Herald Tribune).
"From 2000 to 2006, the number of older criminals soared by 160 percent, to 46,637, from 17,942, according to Japan’s National Police Agency. Shoplifting accounted for 54 percent of the total in 2006 and petty theft for 23 percent."
As a result of such a sharp increase, this has led to the government developing 3 new prison wards which specialise in looking after the gray-haired criminals. This is due to the unsuitability of having the elderly placed in prisons which were built for young criminals. In these specialised facilities, the elderly are given extra consideration and care.
A prime example is Onomichi Prison.
Rails/bars line the hallways to aid the prisoners as they walk.
Meanwhile, in the exercise yards, there are tatami mats / mattresses available for the prisoners to rest should they experience sickness or dizziness.
On site is also a pharmacy of sorts which gives the prisoners prescribed medication. Staff on site would also make sure that the elderly consume the medication on the spot.
Furthermore, meals are provided with consideration for any special requirements.
Yomiuri Shimbun seems to suggest that there is opposition to such special treatment. It suggests that the opposition argues that such treatment would encourage "boomerang prisoners" since such prisoners would find difficulty returning to the outside life.
Such sentiment seems to be supported by the following quote from a 76 year old inmate: "I'm comfortable with prison life. I have clothing, food and housing, and I'm taken care of when I get sick. Prison life is like a strict nursing home."
If you consider the history of how society (and the government in particular) have treated the elderly, there is irony. With Japan's currently policies relating to long-term care, it almost appears as though prison is become synonymous to a nursing home. Only difference is, the service is paid for by taxes and to get in, you'd have to be charged for a crime.
While I personally wouldn't condone crime, I would say this is indicative of Japan's need to adjust its investment priorities and take a serious look at the issue. In present, when it comes to looking after the elderly, the policies are quite recent. Prior to the 1990s, quite often it was expected the the responsibility of caring for the elderly fell upon families. In particular, housewives.
Then in the early 1990s, the government made adjustments to policies so that they could shift the responsibility of care from families and onto the state. However, this led to unexpected consequences such as "social hospitalisation". Another social consequence perhaps, is that more families neglect the elderly. Often leaving them feeling bored, lonely or even destitute.
On the darker side, as Japan faces recession and its effects, it's not hard to imagine what kind of picture this would paint.
Resources:
New York Times
Guardian UK
Yomiuri Shimbun
International Herald Tribune
Aged-Care Support in Japan: Perspectives and Challenges [Study]
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