Liputan6.com, Jakarta Rental services for grandmothers, also known as elderly women, are popular in Japan, as reported by SCMP, Tuesday (July 8).
The grandmother rental service is provided by a platform called OK Obaachan, which, translated into Indonesian, means “Grandma Ok”.
In its service, clients can pay 3,300 yen per hour, or approximately US$18, plus transportation costs, for the services of older women aged 60 to 94 years.
These “hired grandmothers” offer a variety of services, ranging from teaching cooking and writing in beautiful handwriting to babysitting and mediating family conflicts.
As reported by SoraNews24, the granny rental service is also an alternative source of income for elderly women who want to ease the burden of living expenses amid high inflation.
Working in old age
These seniors are part of the approximately 9.3 million people in Japan who continue to work over the age of 65.
According to the Japan Bureau of Statistics, one in four seniors continues to work actively after retirement to make ends meet and accumulate extra savings.
“As we see time and again, the cost of living continues to rise, while wage increases may not apply to retirees,” the report states.
The positive side
As bleak as this may sound, OK Obaachan sees it in a positive light. They view the elderly as a valuable human resource.
Currently, they have around 100 elderly women with diverse backgrounds, including skills in housework, historical knowledge, and interpersonal skills.
According to OK Obaachan's official website, client requests typically revolve around daily activities, such as learning to cook, resolving family disputes, and providing emotional support during challenging moments.
ANN News reports interviewing several clients who find the hired grandmothers helpful.
They found it helpful, particularly when dealing with a breakup or when needing a resource person for a research report.
Reactions to this service were mixed. Many praised the grandmother's rental service.
"I think it's a good business. Sometimes it's good to hear advice from people we don't know," wrote one commenter.
However, not a few also criticized the grandmother's rental service.
Client Partners, the company behind the service, offers specific job opportunities for women with diverse skills.
Other services
In addition to grandma rentals, they also offer rental services for friends or family members, all of whom are female.
For those looking for a similar service for men, Japan has Ossan Rental, which provides the services of “middle-aged men” ranging from their 30s to 60s.