More than 100,000 people in Japan are now aged 100 or older
The number of people aged 100 or more in Japan has exceeded 100,000 for the first time, according to the health ministry. Figures show Japan is now home to 107,677 centenarians, the highest number in the world, of which 88% are women. The oldest woman is Kishimoto Fuyo, a 114-year-old from Kyoto City and the […] The post More than 100,000 people in Japan are now aged 100 or older appeared first…
Japan has recently reached a historic milestone, with the number of people aged 100 or older surpassing 100,000, according to the health ministry. This marks the first time that Japan holds the world record for the highest number of centenarians. Currently, there are 107,677 centenarians in the country, with 88% of them being women. The oldest woman, Kishimoto Fuyo, is 114 years old and resides in Kyoto City, while the oldest man, Kato Hikaru, is 112 years old and lives in Kumamoto.
Health Minister Kenichiro Ueno expressed his delight at the longevity and vitality of Japanese citizens, attributing their long lives to advancements in medicine and technology. However, he also cautioned about the challenges that the rapidly aging population poses to the sustainability of Japan's social security system. Experts suggest that several factors contribute to the remarkable life expectancy of Japanese individuals, such as a balanced diet and an active lifestyle.
The Japanese diet predominantly consists of fish, vegetables, and rice, and contains less saturated fat compared to many Western diets.
Japanese cuisine is believed to play a significant role in the extended lifespans of its citizens. The population has been aging for years, and this trend has had a substantial impact on the country's demographics. In fact, sales of adult diapers have been consistently higher than those for babies for more than a decade. Companies have also developed innovative products tailored to the needs of the older population, including a powered exoskeleton to assist with various body movements and eyewear that automatically adjusts its focus based on the wearer's needs.
The total population of Japan is projected to decline to 87 million by 2070, representing a 30% decrease from its peak of 128 million in 2008, as reported by the National Institute of Population and Social Security research. This demographic shift has been labeled by Japanese authorities as an "existential crisis," with Prime Minister Sanae Takichi describing the decline as a "quiet emergency."
Despite the challenges, Japan remains committed to addressing the needs of its aging population and finding solutions to ensure the long-term sustainability of the nation.
Written by urgent.news from The Chronicle Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
