I don’t think I will be watching Plan 75, it sounds to depressing for someone my age. Set in the very near future it tells what happens when the Japanese government responds to its population crisis by introducing voluntary euthanasia for the over75’s. With the highest life expectancy in the world the country has been struggling for some time with the implication of nearly 40% of the population over 65. A percentage set to increase unless something dramatic is done! In a society where traditionally elders have had a positive status and been shown respect attitudes have changed. The concept of self responsibility promoted by both the Government and media has influenced the way people who rely on welfare benefits and tax payers funded services are viewed by the general public. Elderly people reflect this in feelings of shame at relying on the state and being a, “burden “ to their families. It soon becomes the case that there is a lot of social pressure on elderly people who are not financially independent or who rely heavily on their family for care to do the honourable thing. At the same time the language of government ministers and the media encourages ageism which is increasing seen in incidents of verbal and physical abuse. The parallels with European society are not hard to recognise.
Blair Mcpherson author of An Elephant in the Room - about equality and diversity published by www.russellhouse.co.uk
