Elderly Face Growing Financial Gaps in Japan and United States

A LIFULL survey in Japan found that the average lifetime cost of nursing care reaches about 23 million yen, and roughly 60 % of the parent generation have no financial preparation for these expenses.

In the United States, a CareScout report covering 41 states warned that many retirees are likely to outlive their savings. The average projected shortfall for a 65‑year‑old is $109,000, with high‑cost states such as New York, California, Alaska and Massachusetts showing the greatest gaps. Only nine states, including Washington and Colorado, are expected to have a surplus after retirement expenses.

A separate Japanese case described a 78‑year‑old mother receiving a modest ¥70,000 monthly pension and a son sending ¥50,000 each month. The mother later called saying she no longer needed the money, raising concerns about potential elder‑financial abuse or fraud. These reports highlight mounting financial vulnerabilities for older adults in both Japan and the United States.