Well-Being

January 2, 2005

 

Japan's Centenarians Hit Record High of 23,308

Keywords: Government NGO / Citizen Well-Being 

The number of Japanese people aged 100 or over has reached 23,038, an increase of 2,477 over last year, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare said on September 14. Centenarians numbered only 153 when the Welfare Law for the Elderly was enacted in 1963, but their population has been making steady increases since 1971, exceeding 1,000 in 1981 and the 10,000 mark in 1998. Women make up the bulk, numbering 19,515, or 84.7 percent. Each year's survey is compiled on September 1, based on the ages as of September 30.

The proportion of centenarians per 100,000 is higher in Japan's western regions such as Kyushu, Shikoku and Chugoku than in eastern regions. Okinawa Prefecture, consisting of the southernmost islands, tops the list with 47.07 centenarians per 100, 000, well above the nation's average of 18.05. Saitama Prefecture, central Japan, ranks at the bottom with 8.54. The country's oldest woman is 114 years old, while the oldest man is 109 years old.

In fiscal 2004, 11,911 Japanese will turn 100, including persons living abroad, up 1,171 from last year. Most centenarians who enjoy healthy old age are very active, having regular work, doing daily exercises or participating vigorously in a wide range of activities.



Posted: 2005/01/02 11:24:52 AM
Japanese version

 

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