Concerns About Future Life: 50s and Unmarried Men's Insights on Health, Finances, and Care

Insights into the Future: Unmarried Men Over 50

A recent survey conducted by G-Plan Co., Ltd., which specializes in connecting consumer needs with corporate services, has revealed that nearly 70% of unmarried men aged 50 and over express anxiety regarding their future lives. The survey, which included 1,763 participants, identified three primary areas of concern: health, retirement funds, and caregiving issues.

Survey Background and Objectives

Japan is experiencing a super-aged society, making future preparedness a critical issue. Among men aged 50 and above, the lifelong single rate is on the rise, intensifying worries about their future living conditions. This survey aimed to identify the specific anxieties and challenges faced by this demographic.

Key Findings

Overall Anxiety

Approximately 69% of respondents admitted to feeling some level of anxiety about the future. The leading concern was health, with 1,197 mentions, reflecting fears such as, “Who will take care of me if I suffer from dementia?” or “I worry about becoming bedridden.” The fear of health-related issues significantly ties to financial stability, as those surveyed expressed conflicting desires to remain independent while also fearing a future where they may require assistance.

Financial Concerns

Following health issues, worries about retirement funds were prominent, with 966 mentions. Concerns included fears of insufficient assets and stagnating incomes amid rising living expenses. Notably, 587 respondents were uncertain about the exact amount needed for retirement. While many pointed to savings as their primary safety net (1,119 mentions), a notable number (467 respondents) reported doing nothing, indicating a lack of direction and a growing sense of despair about financial security.

Caregiving Anxiety

The third significant area of concern was caregiving, noted by 693 respondents. Common themes involved insufficient preparation, concerns about reliance on others for support, and a lack of knowledge about available care services.

Social Isolation Understood Through the Results

The survey also addressed social isolation. Over 57% of participants felt they had no one to turn to for advice or emotional support, emphasizing the increased risk of isolation. Although family members were mentioned as potential confidants, the lack of deep relationships poses a worrying trend.

Intentions for End-of-Life Planning

Regarding end-of-life planning, only 39% of respondents indicated active efforts to embark on such initiatives. Many expressed uncertainty about where to start or how much effort would be necessary, indicating a psychological barrier to taking necessary actions. A prevalent viewpoint was the need for clearer guidance or a triggering event to motivate action.

The survey revealed that only 482 respondents were actually undertaking measures such as organizing their belongings, directly linking to their concerns about life choices and potential caregiving futures.

Conclusion

The findings suggest a prevalent mind-set of wanting to maintain independence and avoid being a burden, leading to reluctance in seeking help, thus exacerbating feelings of isolation. Furthermore, the survey highlighted the significant informational and psychological barriers that prevent individuals from taking proactive steps toward future planning. This shared concern resonates broadly across the community, suggesting it is a societal issue needing attention.

Future Prospects: New Services to Address Real Needs

In response to such findings, G-Plan is introducing a new service aimed at collecting and analyzing the genuine voices of seniors, titled HajiQto (working title). This platform will assist businesses in the development of products and services tailored to the senior demographic. The ultimate goal is to ensure individuals can live safely and healthily in a future that recognizes and supports their needs.

For additional information about the service and its implementations, please visit HajiQto.

Survey Overview

- Theme: Survey on future life concerns of individuals
- Method: Online survey
- Duration: From August 23 to August 27, 2025
- Participants: Unmarried men aged 50 and over across Japan
- Valid responses: 1,763

About G-Plan Co., Ltd.

Founded in 2001, G-Plan Co., Ltd. operates a marketing platform connecting points, people, and information. With over two decades of expertise in the point business, G-Plan strives to solve marketing challenges while delivering valuable experiences to consumers.