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The number of people aged 100 or more in Japan has exceeded 100,000 for the first time, according to the health ministry.<\/b><\/p>\n
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 oldest man is Kato Hikaru, a 112-year-old from Kumamoto.<\/p>\n
Health Minister Kenichiro Ueno said he was “delighted that so many people are living long, healthy and active lives”, citing progress in medicine and technology. <\/p>\n
But Kenichiri also warned of the challenge the country faces in maintaining a sustainable social security system.<\/p>\n
Experts put the long lives of the Japanese down to several factors, including a healthy diet and an active lifestyle.<\/p>\n
The island nation’s cuisine predominantly consists of fish, vegetables, and rice – and less saturated fat than many Western diets. <\/p>\n
Older people also regularly walk, use public transport, cycle and stretch.<\/p>\n
Japan has been aging for years and sales of adult nappies have been higher than those for babies<\/a> for more than a decade.<\/p>\n Companies have also developed new products for the older population, including a powered exoskeleton to support moving various parts of the body and eyewear that automatically adjusts its focus.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n