The lengthening periods for which hikikomori social recluses stay withdrawn from society, and the rising age of many such recluses, are becoming increasingly serious problems. As hikikomori was widely seen as a condition mainly affecting young people, support systems available to older recluses cannot be described as sufficient. Steps to deal with this issue must be strengthened quickly.
The Cabinet Office will conduct a survey on social recluses aged 40 and older as early as this year. Previous surveys were limited to people aged up to 39. This was because hikikomori was perceived to be related to causes including bullying or truancy.
A 2015 Cabinet Office survey estimated the number of social recluses at 540,000. Although down from the estimate of 700,000 calculated in a 2010 survey, this drop was significantly affected by social recluses aged 35 to 39 -- who accounted for one-fourth of all hikikomori in the first survey -- turning 40 during that five-year period and therefore not being covered by the second poll.
Thirty-five percent of recluses -- the largest proportion -- said they had lived in isolation "for seven years or longer." There are clear signs of a trend toward people shutting themselves away for longer. This suggests many people cannot actively participate in society even after turning 40.
Putting a focus on middle-aged recluses, who have not been closely examined until now, is sensible. Hikikomori is not only a difficult experience for recluses and their families, but it also creates huge social losses at a time when the nation faces a shrinking workforce. Survey results should be used to create effective support measures.
Surveys by local governments and other entities also have exposed the rising number of middle-aged social recluses. A survey conducted by the Yamanashi prefectural government found more than 60 percent of recluses were 40 or older.
Cooperation among entities key
It is believed that many people become recluses after leaving a job or having setbacks during their hunt for employment. In many cases, they remain withdrawn for an extended period. A typical pattern seems to involve a person who became an adult during the employment "ice age" after the economic bubble burst and became emotionally and physically exhausted while hopping from one unstable job to another.
The longer a person remains withdrawn from society, the harder it becomes to overcome their problems. Many older recluses rely on their parents. They tend to fall into economic hardship as their parents become elderly.
In the welfare field, increased attention is being paid to the issue of households comprising parents in their 80s and children in their 50s who are social recluses becoming isolated and reduced to poverty. Many such cases are detected when the parents use nursing care services. There have even been cases discovered only after both the parents and child have died.
Middle-aged hikikomori generally face complex problems, including their own physical or mental health issues. Relevant organizations should work closely together to provide multilayered support.
Prefectural governments have set up "hikikomori regional support centers," but the support system staffed by specialist personnel is not sufficient. It is important to offer carefully planned home visits and create places where all parties concerned can get together.
The town of Fujisato, Akita Prefecture, helps recluses become self-reliant by providing opportunities to experience a range of jobs at welfare facilities and other places. This program has produced good results. Projects in which former recluses are available to offer advice to hikikomori also are spreading across many areas.
It also is crucial to create an environment in which families do not have to deal with a recluse by themselves but can quickly send out an SOS call for help.
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 24, 2018)
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