Number of Japanese centenarians exceeds 100,000 – what is the secret

Japan's Ministry of Health reported that the number of citizens over 100 years old has exceeded 100,000 for the first time, reaching 107,677. The vast majority of centenarians are women (87.6%). Over the past year, their number increased by nearly 8,000. The article discusses factors of longevity: traditional diet, physical activity, and social ties.

Japan's Ministry of Health has recorded a historic achievement: the total number of citizens who have crossed the century mark has exceeded 100,000 for the first time. According to official statistics, Japan is home to 107,677 centenarians, with their number increasing by nearly eight thousand over the past year. For comparison, in 1963 the country had only 153 people over 100, and in 2012 this figure first surpassed 50,000. The vast majority in this age category are women – 94,298 people (87.6%), while men number 13,379 (12.4%). In the United States, with a population nearly three times that of Japan, there are about 101,000 centenarians. Japan has held the world lead in average life expectancy (about 84.5 years) for decades. The foundation of longevity is considered to be a traditional diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, fresh fish, seaweed, green tea, and fermented products, with minimal consumption of dairy products. Nearly half of Japanese people over fifty spend at least half an hour daily on walking, which, combined with strong social ties, contributes to active longevity.