There are dangers with living alone, or even living with a spouse or caretaker. Find out how to avoid dying alone.
Yu, Yuichiro, Yuya
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Script
A : OK,let’s get started. Today, I’m going to give a lecture about ‘’Dying alone’’. OK, B, have you heard of the term ‘’Dying Alone’’?
B : Yeah.
A : Good, then, would you explain it?
B : O.K. A, it’s the fact that old people can’t ask for help,and die of a disease, literally, alone.
A : That’s right. In Japan, the number of nuclear families has increased since the 1970s, and the number of the old people living alone has increased, too. Since the 70s, the news of dying alone began to be reported. Do you know the word ‘’Loneliness in a City’’? This is the phrase which was often used in the news of dying alone. At that time, people thought that there was no loneliness in a city, the place where many people gathered. So such an expression like this was used. By the way, various things can contribute to dying alone, Can you think of anythig ?
B:Yes…I think disease is a main cause.Heart attack, stroke…
A:Right, but it’s not all. There is such a case that someone falls down, breaks his leg, can’t ask for help and goes into shock, followed by death… And attention should be paid to the case that his or her life environment is changed by a disaster．Take an example. It is said that during the first decade after the big erthquake in Kobe, in 1995, as many as 560 people died alone because of a long stay in temporary housing.
B: 560people!? That’s a lot ! Incredible!
A: And there is another problem.Have you ever heard the word ‘’Elder－to－elder nursing care’’ ?This word stands for the fact that an old people care for other eldery people.This situation is going forward in today’s Japan. The problem is when the cared person also dies if the person taking care of him dies suddenly. ･･･Well , B, do you like alcoholic drinks?
B: Yes, I can drink quite a lot.
A:Oh, then you should be careful, especially when you become an old man. Alcohol can be a factor for dying alone. Some cases have been reported that a man drinks to forget loneliness and in the end he dies of alcoholism.Drinking to forget loneliness might invite a vicious spiral.
B: Oh~.I will take care. But, if I have friends nearby or get along with my neighbors, there will be no problem, right?
A: Yeah, you’re right! It’s a good point! So, local communities suggest a public－care system such as visiting nurses. And now I put a question to you. Who is more likely to die alone, men or women?
B: It’s just a guess…but.. maybe it’s men , I think.
A:Correct. Certain studies show that a man is twice as likely to die alone as a woman. This is probably because a woman gets along with neighbors more than a man. A man is less likely to be noticed for his disorder. Even after you retire, it’s important to keep your human relations.
B: I understand….well, it’s long time from my last visit to my grandfather.Is it better to drop in on him today?
A: That’s a good idea. He will be pleased.
B: O.K. Then, thanks for the lecture, good-bye.
A:Good-bye.