Impact of Muen Shakai on Elderly Life in Japan

Open Access

Abstract

Lately the issue of muen shakai (disconnected society) or groups of people who are separated from society is in the media spotlight in Japan. The muen shakai phenomenon causes quite dangerous effects, namely kodokushi and jisatsu. This phenomenon can actually happen to anyone, but in general muen shakai often occurs in the elderly who live alone in Japan. This study aims to describe the lives of elderly people living alone in Japan and the impact of muen shakai on the lives of elderly peopele in Japan. Research that has been done related to the muen shakai phenomenon. Namely research conducted by Nur Rochma Amaliah entitled Increasing the number of elderly people living alone a symptom of muen shakai (Nur Rochma, 2014). Subsequent studies were carried out by Pebrian., Irma., Oslan Amril, entitled the life of roujin (elderly) today (pebrian et al, 2016). The muen shakai phenomenon is examined using the theory of social change. According to Parsudi Suparlan Social change is a form of change in social structure and patterns of social relations. These include the political system, the power system, family relations and population (Ruangguru.com). This research uses a descriptive method with data collection techniques in library studies. The data sources used are primary writing data sources obtained from the book muen shi san man ni sen nin no shogeki and also outlook Japan book "journals of Japanese area studies vol I and II" and existing scientific publications and secondary data sources are supporting data taken from several articles on the internet. The data analysis techniques that the authors do are (1) Classification and grouping of data in accordance with the research that the author did that is about muen shakai and the life of the elderly in Japan. (2) Analysis, data that analyzes data that has been grouped in a descriptive manner. (3) Summarizing the data that has been analyzed. Based on the results of data analysis and discussion, the depletion of relationships with family, neighbors, friends or colleagues is the cause of the emergence of the muen shakai phenomenon. muen shakai generally occurs in many elderly people, especially those who live alone. Most of the elderly in Japan live independently and even tend to be alone, this is what causes the elderly always feel lonely. To overcome his loneliness, the elderly chose to return to work, raise pets and also hold meetings with their fellow seniors. The muen shakai phenomenon has several social impacts which affect the lives of elderly people in Japan. Likekodokushi, jisatu and criminality among the elderly. These impacts have not yet reached an alarming number, but if they are not resolved they are feared that they will create new problems for the Japanese people. For this reason, participation of all parties is expected to overcome the phenomenon of muen shakai that is currently developing. Not only from the government but also all of Japanese society as a whole. Keywords: Muen shakai, elderly, life, impact