| Photo by Steven Su on Unsplash
Part II of “Searching for Super Agers Among Filipinos and North Americans” Series
Foreigners who have lived or worked in Japan, as well as tourists, are often surprised to observe that many elderly Japanese are physically and mentally fit and active. The nation may not have the absolute highest number of “super agers” (individuals over 80 years old) globally. Still, search engines say that it has the highest number on a per-capita basis. Japan is considered a super-aged society, meaning a significant portion of its population is 65 years old or older. This, combined with a relatively high life expectancy, results in a large number of centenarians, particularly among women.
A country with many physically able and mentally alert senior citizens tends to have lower healthcare expenditures. And since many of Japan’s aging, especially “super agers”, work longer, their social-security system stays solvent. While long life means more healthcare coverage, the Japanese (and even their senior citizens’) medical needs are said to be lower than those of many other developed countries. Japan appears to enjoy lower rates of hospitalization — often without costly medical operations and procedures — because, on average, the Japanese are healthier. Yes, in the pink of health most of their life, probably more than North Americans and Western Europeans are.
Here are health data, especially on aging among Japanese::
- High Life Expectancy: Japan has one of the highest life expectancies in the world, with men averaging 81.9 years and women 87.3 years.
- High Number of Centenarians: As of September 2024, Japan has more than 95,000 centenarians, which is the highest number worldwide, according to government data.
- High Per-Capita Number: While Japan may not have the absolute highest number of centenarians, it has the highest number per 100,000 people.
- “Super-Aged” Society: Japan has the highest proportion of elderly citizens (65 and older) in the world, according to Wikipedia.
Factors Contributing to Longevity: Several factors are believed to contribute to Japan’s high number of centenarians, including:
- Healthcare system: Universal healthcare, regular health checkups, and access to care are essential factors.
- Diet: A diet rich in fish, vegetables, and soy products, and low in processed foods and red meat, is associated with longevity.
- Lifestyle: Active lifestyles, strong community ties, and a focus on social well-being are also significant factors.
*Cultural factors: Ideas of “meiwaku” (being a nuisance) and a focus on group consensus may also play a role.
Perhaps the Social Security systems and public health providers of many nations should send their policy and decision makers to Japan to attend seminars. And observe the right ways to age, especially the “super agers” who need minimal healthcare for most of their lives.
