The Health Ministry of Japan has announced that the number of centenarians in the country is expected to reach a record high of 20,561 by the end of September this year. The vast majority (84%) of the Japanese centenarians are women. Japan is home to both the world’s oldest woman, Kamato Hongo, and the world’s oldest man, Yukichi Chuganji. Kamato Hongo turned 116 in early September, while Yukichi Chuganji is 114. Japan holds the record for the world’s longest life expectancy – 84.93 for women and 78.07 for men. However, the aging population is causing the country some problems. It is estimated that there will be one person over 65 for every two of working age by 2025, a situation that is bound to place a severe strain on the country’s economy.
SOURCE/REFERENCE: Reported by www.reutershealth.com on the 9th September 2003.
