Number of Centenarians in Japan Exceeds 70,000

For the first time in Japan's history, the number of individuals who have reached the age of 100 has exceeded 70,000. The overwhelming majority of centenarians are women, as reported by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare ahead of the National Elderly Day.

In Japan, the number of individuals aged 100 and older is over 71,000, of which 8,463 are men and 62,700 are women, accounting for 88 percent of the total, according to РИА Новости citing the ministry.

Interestingly, the number of people reaching the centenary milestone has increased by 1,453 within a year. The record has been broken annually for the past 49 years. When research began on this topic in 1963, there were only 153 centenarians in Japan. Over the last 30 years, the number of people over the age of 100 has increased 23 times.

The country's health and welfare ministry believes the rise is due to technological advancements in the provision of medical services, as well as increased attention to health maintenance. Authorities promise to ensure all necessary conditions for the elderly to lead a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle.