Regarding the Dec. 15 editorial "Nursing services under the knife": More attention should be paid to Japan's nursing care system.
First, the number of seniors living alone is increasing. Even those in the two lowest-priority categories for care could come down with an incurable condition in the near future. Others could develop mental disorders because of few opportunities to socialize. Visiting nurses detect symptoms early on and can save a life.
Second, staying healthy as long as possible is a blessing in society, as the government authorities don't have to pay as much for medical care. As life expectancy lengthens, whether seniors live golden lives or gray ones is the crux of the matter. People of all ages have a constitutional right to live comfortably. Everyone will age.
So, I favor maintaining the nursing services provided now at the same level of quality regardless of whether the national government or the municipalities take responsibility for them.
The opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are the writer's own and do not necessarily reflect the policies of The Japan Times.