Japan’s Centenarian Population Passes 100,000 as Birth Rate Falls to Record Low
Japan has recorded more than 100,000 people aged 100 and above for the first time. Health ministry figures put the number at 107,677, with women making up about 88% of centenarians. Longer life expectancy has been linked to diet, regular physical activity and advances in healthcare. However, the growing elderly population is increasing pressure on pensions, healthcare and other social-support systems. Japan’s fertility rate fell to a record low of 1.14, far below the 2.1 children per woman needed for population replacement. The country’s population is projected to decline from its 2008 peak of about 128 million to roughly 87 million by 2070. The milestone also comes with questions about record accuracy. A 2010 government audit found that many people listed as centenarians could not be traced, highlighting weaknesses in earlier record-keeping.
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