A study supported by Japan's Cabinet Office has highlighted that approximately 30% of elderly individuals classified as requiring care, yet living independently, are unable to manage their own savings withdrawals or pay rent and utility expenses without assistance. This survey, part of a project aimed at addressing societal issues through the Strategic Innovation Promotion Program (SIP), emphasizes the need for protective measures for financial assets and the exploration of a new support system given the older population's increasing vulnerability, especially in light of rising dementia cases among the elderly.

The study involved around 3,000 senior citizens in Izumi City, Osaka, aged an average of 82.8 years, and was conducted between February and April 2025. A significant proportion of the respondents were living at home rather than in care facilities, with approximately 30% living alone. The findings revealed that as the level of care required increased, the inability to manage finances also rose dramatically, illustrating the growing challenge of financial independence as elder care needs escalate.

In light of these findings, a project team, including researchers from Keio University, is examining the development of new financial systems that cater to the unique circumstances of an aging population. These initiatives are critical as they aim to create a society that is inclusive of the elderly and women, particularly as changes in household dynamics and increased lifespans demand long-term financial management solutions for individuals who may not have the capacity to handle their finances independently.