For Japan's Growing Population Of Seniors, Prison Is An Oasis

05:52

March 28, 2018

This picture taken on July 24, 2015 shows women having a meal together at a rehabilitation facility to support reintegration for former prisoners in Tokyo. For Japan's increasing cohort of elderly prison inmates, the prospect of a life of freedom upon release is fraught with unease. (Kazuhiro Nogi/AFP/Getty Images)

Elderly Japanese women are committing minor crimes in order to go to prison, where they find community and purpose.

Gerontology scholar Emiko Takagi (@EmikoTakagi) joins Here & Now's Meghna Chakrabarti to explain the challenges Japan is facing with its rapidly aging population, and what's driving women to do this.

This segment aired on March 28, 2018.

For Japan's Growing Population Of Seniors, Prison Is An Oasis

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