Japan’s centenarians top 100,000 for the first time
The latest government survey showed the number of those aged 100 or older stood at 107,677, with around 90% of them female.
Japan has become the first country to surpass 100,000 centenarians, according to the health ministry. As of September 1, there were 107,677 individuals aged 100 or older, marking the first time the number of centenarians exceeded 100,000 since records began in 1963. Japan's population is the second-oldest in the world, with a median age of 49.9 years, according to the World Bank.
The aging population has reached a record high for the past 56 years, with around 90% of centenarians being female. The latest government survey, published ahead of the annual Respect for the Aged public holiday, highlights the demographic crisis facing Japan's fourth-largest economy. The fertility rate has continued to decline, hitting a new record low in June, exacerbating the issue.
This demographic emergency is already leading to labor shortages, a growing social security bill, and a diminishing tax base.
Written by urgent.news from Free Malaysia Today's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 2 other outlets
- Number of centenarians in Japan tops 100,000 for 1st time, up for 56th yr mainichi.jp
- Japan’s centenarians top 100,000 for the first time freemalaysiatoday.com
