With the rapid aging of Japan's population, healthy older people are providing indispensable support for the nursing care of their fellow seniors.

Setsuko Kawaguchi, 65, works three to four days a week at the Ikoi no Mori nursing care facility in Tsu, Mie Prefecture. Starting at 6 a.m. and finishing at 9 a.m., her duties involve light work such as attending to residents when they eat, cleaning tables and changing bed linen.

As the facility is understaffed during the morning hours, Kawaguchi is "indispensable," a staff member said.