Japan to offer interest-free loans to elderly to quake-proof homes

Japan is considering offering interest-free loans to people aged 70 and older to reinforce their homes against earthquakes in the wake of a devastating temblor on New Year's Day, a government source said Wednesday.Under the new plan, borrowers will be able to use their homes and land as collateral to secure loans for retrofitting their residences, while the government will cover the monthly interest payments, the source added.Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has pledged to take steps to make Japan more resilient to natural disasters. On Tuesday night, a powerful earthquake struck the Noto Peni…READ FULL ARTICLE