I’m putting together government-released statistical information. For more detailed data, please check the government’s comprehensive statistics portal (e-Stat) or the statistics data published by respective ministries and agencies.
The status of social isolation (social interaction) by age group.
The frequency of face-to-face communication.
“The survey aimed to explore how the sense of isolation varies across different age groups by investigating the frequency of direct communication with non-cohabiting family members and friends. The data collected aimed to illuminate the impact of the frequency of face-to-face interactions on the sense of isolation.
The analysis of the frequency of face-to-face communication across different age groups revealed discernible trends regarding the sense of isolation:
- Among younger individuals (16 to 19 years old), a higher percentage reported engaging in face-to-face conversations four to five times a week, correlating with relatively lower levels of perceived isolation. The number of individuals rarely engaging in direct face-to-face conversations was notably lower.
- As age increased, there was an observed rise in the frequency of meeting, from about once a week or once a month, among older age groups. Particularly in the elderly, there was an increase in those meeting two to three times a week or once a week, which was associated with a reduction in perceived isolation.
- However, in the elderly demographic (70 years and older), the percentage engaging in face-to-face conversations four to five times a week was relatively low, indicating a slightly higher sense of isolation. Nevertheless, there was a relatively higher number of individuals meeting two to three times a week or once a week within this age group.
Overall, the frequency of face-to-face communication seemed to influence the sense of isolation across different age groups. While younger individuals who engaged in face-to-face interaction four to five times a week exhibited lower isolation, the frequency decreased in the older demographics. However, increased interaction, even at a frequency of two to three times a week or once a week, appeared to mitigate the sense of isolation among older generations. These survey findings provide crucial insights into how intergenerational communication frequencies may impact the sense of isolation.”
(1) Talk face-to-face | ||||||||
At least 4-5 times a week | About 2-3 times a week | About once a week | About once every two weeks | About once a month | Less than 1 time per month | Not at all | Answer | |
Full | 16.5 | 13.1 | 13.8 | 9.7 | 14.3 | 15.6 | 10.6 | 6.4 |
16 to 19 years old | 71.6 | 5.2 | 3.4 | 3.7 | 4.9 | 3.4 | 6.5 | 1.2 |
20 to 29 years old | 20.4 | 12.9 | 11.5 | 11.9 | 14.8 | 15.3 | 11.3 | 1.8 |
30 to 39 years old | 13.8 | 9.0 | 13.9 | 11.4 | 17.0 | 20.1 | 12.5 | 2.4 |
40 to 49 years old | 14.5 | 10.3 | 12.2 | 9.3 | 16.4 | 21.9 | 13.0 | 2.3 |
50 to 59 years old | 14.0 | 9.2 | 12.8 | 9.2 | 17.5 | 19.3 | 12.9 | 5.0 |
60 to 69 years old | 15.4 | 13.1 | 14.8 | 10.2 | 13.8 | 16.2 | 9.4 | 7.1 |
70 to 79 years old | 13.6 | 18.5 | 16.2 | 9.8 | 12.0 | 10.0 | 8.7 | 11.1 |
Over 80 years old | 14.4 | 21.1 | 16.5 | 7.7 | 10.1 | 8.3 | 6.9 | 15.0 |
[Reposted] 20-64 years old | 15.0 | 10.4 | 12.9 | 10.1 | 16.3 | 19.3 | 12.2 | 3.7 |
[Reposted] 65-74 years old | 14.7 | 15.1 | 15.8 | 10.7 | 12.8 | 13.2 | 9.0 | 8.6 |
[Reposted] 75 years old and over | 14.2 | 21.4 | 16.1 | 8.1 | 10.7 | 8.1 | 7.4 | 14.0 |
The frequency of communication via telephone.
This data represents a study on loneliness concerning the frequency of communication via phone calls or video chats with non-cohabiting family or friends. Here are the key points summarizing the data:
According to the survey results, there are distinct trends in the frequency of communication via phone calls or video chats with non-cohabiting family or friends across different age groups.
On average, 8.1% of respondents communicate via phone calls or video chats 4 to 5 times a week, followed by 11.7% communicating 2 to 3 times a week and 13.7% communicating once a week. About 15.4% of respondents do not engage in phone or video conversations at all, with a non-response rate of 11.4%.
In the 16 to 19 age group, 10.8% of respondents communicate 4 to 5 times a week, while a relatively higher 21.3% communicate less than once a week.
As the age group increases, the percentage of individuals communicating 4 to 5 times a week decreases, and conversely, the frequency of communicating once a week or once every two weeks rises. Particularly in the group aged 80 and above, 31.7% communicate less than once a week.
In the ‘repeated table’ section, the data is further segmented by age group, depicting similar trends in more detail.
Overall, this survey implies the impact of communication frequency via phone calls or video chats on feelings of loneliness. It highlights the importance of telephonic interaction, especially for older age groups facing challenges in direct face-to-face conversations. However, there’s variability in call frequency across age groups, particularly evident in the higher percentage of individuals communicating less than once a week among the elderly.
(2) Telephone [including video calls] | ||||||||
At least 4-5 times a week | About 2-3 times a week | About once a week | About once every two weeks | About once a month | Less than 1 time per month | Not at all | Answer | |
Full | 8.1 | 11.7 | 13.7 | 10.5 | 14.2 | 15.0 | 15.4 | 11.4 |
16 to 19 years old | 10.8 | 13.9 | 13.9 | 12.3 | 13.9 | 10.5 | 21.3 | 3.4 |
20 to 29 years old | 11.2 | 12.6 | 14.0 | 10.8 | 13.9 | 14.7 | 20.4 | 2.2 |
30 to 39 years old | 4.6 | 9.8 | 12.2 | 11.0 | 18.2 | 19.9 | 20.8 | 3.5 |
40 to 49 years old | 7.4 | 9.5 | 13.2 | 10.8 | 16.1 | 18.0 | 20.9 | 4.1 |
50 to 59 years old | 7.5 | 10.3 | 13.0 | 9.6 | 16.3 | 17.5 | 18.4 | 7.3 |
60 to 69 years old | 9.1 | 11.1 | 14.1 | 12.2 | 14.1 | 14.7 | 12.5 | 12.3 |
70 to 79 years old | 8.6 | 15.2 | 15.9 | 9.7 | 11.6 | 11.6 | 8.1 | 19.3 |
Over 80 years old | 8.4 | 12.7 | 11.6 | 8.4 | 8.9 | 9.2 | 9.1 | 31.7 |
[Reposted] 20-64 years old | 7.7 | 10.3 | 13.2 | 10.7 | 16.0 | 17.3 | 19.2 | 5.5 |
[Reposted] 65-74 years old | 8.7 | 13.8 | 14.5 | 10.9 | 12.9 | 13.7 | 10.1 | 15.4 |
[Reposted] 75 years old and over | 8.6 | 13.7 | 14.1 | 8.8 | 9.8 | 9.4 | 7.7 | 27.8 |
The frequency of communication through platforms like SNS, LINE, and other chat applications.
The data represents findings from a loneliness-related survey that examines the frequency of communication with non-cohabiting family and friends through SNS (Social Networking Services). Here are the key points summarizing the data:
The survey indicates varying trends in the frequency of communication through SNS with non-cohabiting family and friends across different age groups.
On average, the highest percentage of people, at 20.5%, communicate through SNS 4 to 5 times a week, followed by those who communicate 2 to 3 times a week (13.4%) or once a week (9.8%). Those who do not use SNS at all account for 19.8%, and the non-respondent rate is 15.5%.
In the 16 to 19 age group, a significantly high percentage, 60.5%, communicate through SNS 4 to 5 times a week, while those using it less than once a week are at 4.6%, and non-users are at 4.6%.
As age increases, there’s a decreasing trend in the frequency of communication through SNS. Older generations tend to use SNS less frequently, with a rise in those using it less than once a week or not at all.
Overall, the survey suggests that communication through SNS influences feelings of loneliness. Particularly, it highlights the significance of frequent SNS usage as a means of interaction, especially among younger generations. However, it also underscores that older age groups engage less in SNS use, emphasizing the importance of direct communication for them.
(3) SNS [LINE chat, etc.] | ||||||||
At least 4-5 times a week | About 2-3 times a week | About once a week | About once every two weeks | About once a month | Less than 1 time per month | Not at all | Answer | |
Full | 20.5 | 13.4 | 9.8 | 7.5 | 7.4 | 6.2 | 19.8 | 15.5 |
16 to 19 years old | 60.5 | 19.4 | 6.2 | 2.5 | 1.2 | 3.1 | 4.6 | 2.5 |
20 to 29 years old | 46.0 | 18.0 | 10.3 | 7.1 | 8.1 | 4.7 | 4.5 | 1.3 |
30 to 39 years old | 25.8 | 18.4 | 13.3 | 12.7 | 11.2 | 7.4 | 9.2 | 2.1 |
40 to 49 years old | 24.1 | 16.5 | 11.5 | 11.0 | 10.5 | 9.8 | 13.3 | 3.3 |
50 to 59 years old | 20.9 | 14.2 | 13.1 | 8.5 | 9.8 | 8.7 | 18.4 | 6.4 |
60 to 69 years old | 17.2 | 14.4 | 9.9 | 7.9 | 6.6 | 5.9 | 24.4 | 13.8 |
70 to 79 years old | 9.2 | 9.1 | 7.2 | 4.5 | 4.7 | 4.1 | 29.1 | 32.1 |
Over 80 years old | 3.2 | 2.4 | 3.2 | 1.2 | 1.6 | 1.4 | 35.1 | 51.8 |
[Reposted] 20-64 years old | 25.9 | 16.2 | 12.0 | 9.8 | 9.6 | 7.8 | 13.9 | 4.8 |
[Reposted] 65-74 years old | 12.4 | 11.5 | 8.6 | 6.0 | 5.7 | 5.4 | 28.2 | 22.2 |
[Reposted] 75 years old and over | 5.0 | 5.1 | 4.6 | 2.2 | 2.7 | 1.9 | 32.4 | 46.0 |
The frequency of communication via email or text messaging
The frequency of communication via email or text messaging among non-cohabiting family members or friends represents the findings of a loneliness-related survey. Below are the key points summarized from the data:
As an overall average, those communicating via email or text messaging 4 to 5 times a week or more constitute 5.5%, followed by 2 to 3 times a week (5.8%), and once a week (6.3%). The percentage of individuals who do not use email or text messaging stands at 40.5%, with a non-response rate of 17.3%.
In the 16 to 19 age group, those communicating via email or text messaging 4 to 5 times a week or more account for 4.9%, notably lower, while those communicating less than once a week make up a significantly higher percentage at 71.6%.
With increasing age, the frequency of communication via email or text messaging tends to decrease. Particularly in older generations, the frequencies of 4 to 5 times a week or once a week decrease, while less than once a week or no usage tendencies increase.
Overall, the survey suggests that communication via email or text messaging can impact feelings of loneliness, with younger generations leaning toward using these methods for communication. Conversely, older generations tend to use these means less, emphasizing the importance of direct communication.
(4) E-mail and SMS | ||||||||
At least 4-5 times a week | About 2-3 times a week | About once a week | About once every two weeks | About once a month | Less than 1 time per month | Not at all | Answer | |
Full | 5.5 | 5.8 | 6.3 | 4.8 | 7.5 | 12.3 | 40.5 | 17.3 |
16 to 19 years old | 4.9 | 1.9 | 3.7 | 2.2 | 5.9 | 6.5 | 71.6 | 3.4 |
20 to 29 years old | 5.6 | 2.7 | 3.6 | 2.7 | 4.2 | 10.1 | 68.1 | 3.0 |
30 to 39 years old | 3.9 | 3.1 | 4.3 | 4.0 | 6.3 | 12.6 | 61.7 | 4.1 |
40 to 49 years old | 6.4 | 6.2 | 6.1 | 6.7 | 8.9 | 17.7 | 42.1 | 5.9 |
50 to 59 years old | 7.2 | 5.6 | 8.1 | 5.7 | 10.2 | 17.5 | 36.2 | 9.4 |
60 to 69 years old | 6.5 | 8.8 | 8.4 | 5.3 | 9.2 | 14.6 | 30.8 | 16.4 |
70 to 79 years old | 4.9 | 7.8 | 7.0 | 5.5 | 7.2 | 7.8 | 27.1 | 32.7 |
Over 80 years old | 2.3 | 2.9 | 3.6 | 2.0 | 2.3 | 2.8 | 32.9 | 51.2 |
[Reposted] 20-64 years old | 6.2 | 5.5 | 6.3 | 5.2 | 8.2 | 15.3 | 46.0 | 7.3 |
[Reposted] 65-74 years old | 5.6 | 7.2 | 8.4 | 6.0 | 8.5 | 11.4 | 29.0 | 23.9 |
[Reposted] 75 years old and over | 3.1 | 5.6 | 4.4 | 2.8 | 4.2 | 4.3 | 30.0 | 45.6 |
Summary and Implications Regarding Social Isolation
This study on loneliness aimed to uncover the impact of communication frequency with individuals across different age groups on feelings of isolation. The survey showcased the percentage of interactions with non-cohabiting family or friends through means such as face-to-face conversation, phone or video calls, social media (SNS), and emails or text messages, segmented by age.”
“Here are the key findings from the survey:”
“Face-to-face Conversations:”
“In terms of age groups, the highest percentage (71.6%) of individuals who talk directly with non-cohabiting family or friends 4 to 5 times a week are in the 16 to 19 age bracket.”
“As age increases, the frequency tends to shift toward once a week or once a month, emphasizing the importance of interaction, even in older generations.”
“Phone or Video Calls:”
“Usage varies by age, with younger generations using these means more frequently.”
“Elderly individuals, especially those aged 80 and above, tend to communicate less than once a week.”
“Social Media (SNS):”
“Younger generations engage more in communication via social media, while older age groups show lower usage frequency.”
“The 16 to 19 age group particularly heavily uses social media, whereas those aged 80 and above exhibit limited usage.”
“Emails or Text Messages:”
“Usage patterns vary by age, with notably lower usage among younger generations.”
“Among the elderly, direct communication takes precedence, resulting in lower email or text message usage.”
“In general, interaction methods with individuals of different age groups exhibit age-related trends. Younger generations tend to increase their usage of technology for communication, whereas older generations value direct communication more. This survey suggests a correlation between interaction frequency and feelings of isolation, shedding light on the factors contributing to loneliness across various age demographics.