The phenomenon of older women in Japan facing an increased vulnerability to poverty has become more prevalent due to the loss of their spouses, as well as instances of separation or divorce.
According to a recent survey, the prevalence of poverty among widows aged 65 or older in the year 2018 exceeded 30%. Survivor's pensions have become a crucial source of income for elderly widows, who increasingly rely on this financial assistance due to a decline in the practice of cohabitation with their adult children, who have historically served as primary providers of economic support.
The increasing longevity of women relative to their husbands has resulted in a growing population of older women who reside independently. According to projections, it is anticipated that the proportion of widows and divorced women aged 75 or older in Japan's overall population will increase by 2 percentage points, reaching 7.4% by the year 2040, as compared to the figures observed in 2020.
According to a woman in her seventies who has primarily relied on a survivor annuity following the demise of her spouse, she consumes exclusively inexpensive pasta for her midday meal due to her limited monthly food budget of less than 20,000 yen ($135). However, I possess a residence and a well-maintained, antiquated collection of clothing, so I present an appearance that does not indicate a lack of wealth. "Is that correct?" she appended with a sardonic grin.
According to an estimate provided by the National Institute of Population and Social Security Research (NIPSSR), the projected number of widows and divorced women aged 75 or older is expected to reach 8.17 million by the year 2030. This is an increase of 1.3 million individuals compared to the previous decade. Women will constitute approximately 60% of individuals within that specific age range, in contrast to their male counterparts, who account for only 20%.
Numerous women in similar circumstances depend on widow's pensions as a means to cover their living costs; nonetheless, their monthly earnings frequently fall below the levels received by those who are beneficiaries of assistance programs.