Japan offers funeral discounts for seniors to stop driving

Japanese senior citizens willing to give up their driver’s license will be given discounts on funeral packages. File photo

Driving becomes more and more challenging as people age, and the Japanese government is opting for an unconventional method to warn its constituents.

Elderly drivers in Japan, as per BBC, are being offered discounts to funeral services if they will surrender their driving license.

Due to the recent rise of vehicular accidents involving senior citizens, authorities are now encouraging the elderly to permanently give up the wheel and get some incentive in return.

In cooperation with a company that runs 89 percent of funeral homes in the central Aichi prefecture, those who are willing to give up driving will receive 15 percent discount on all services, which can be extended to family members and those who live outside the area.

To qualify, one must simply show proof that they have surrendered their driver’s license at a local police station.

Meanwhile, a 2015 census revealed that almost 4.8 million license holders in Japan were over the age of 75—twice as many recorded a decade ago.

The increase in numbers also resulted into more vehicular collisions, particularly as drivers reportedly confuse the accelerator with the brake pedals.

Other over-the-top gimmicks offered to the elderly include cheaper taxi rides and entrance to public baths, as well as selling them half-priced noodles. Khristian Ibarrola/JB/rga