Japan: the number of elderly people reached 36.4 million

According to statistics released by the Japanese Ministry of National Defense on 'Aging Day' (September 20), the number of elderly people over 65 years old in Japan reached 36.4 million for the first time, this is a record number - accounting for 29,1% of the total population of the country.

This is an annual holiday to honor the elderly citizens. Since 2003, “Respect of the Elderly” is celebrated on the 3rd Monday of September and is a holiday. Previously, this day was celebrated on September 15 since it began as a national holiday in 1966.

According to statistics, the number of people over 65 years old in Japan has reached a record high of 36.4 million people, accounting for 29.1% of the total population of this country. Japan is also the world leader in the number of elderly people.

Japan: the number of elderly people reached 36.4 million / ph: pexels

In the face of a serious aging population, foreign workers are increasingly holding an important position. Over the years, the number of elderly people in Japan has increased by 220,000.

Out of the 36.4 million people mentioned above, 26% of the total male population of Japan. Besides, the proportion of elderly women in Japan is gradually approaching one-third - accounting for 32% of the population.

The ratio of elderly people to the total population of Japan has continued to increase since 1950. It is expected to reach 35.3% by 2040, when those born in 1971-1974 reaching 65 years of age or older.

Moreover, the number of working pensioners in Japan has also reached a record of more than 9 million, the highest number compared to the annual growth of this group in the past 17 years. Among pensioners, about 25.1% are still working, which is also the highest figure in the past nine years.

Life expectancy in Japan is currently 87.45 for women and 81.41 for men. These are all record high numbers, according to statistics published in July 2020.

The Japanese oldest living woman is Kane Tanaka from Fukuoka City who celebrated her 118th birthday in February this year. She was recognized by the Guinness World Records as the oldest person in the world.

Meanwhile, 111-year-old Mikizo Ueda, now living in Nara city, is the oldest man in Japan.

Japanese people not only live long, but also healthy. The prevalence of chronic diseases is low. According to the World Health Ranking in 2014, the death rate from stroke ranked 152nd, breast cancer ranked 134th, liver disease ranked 153rd, lung ranked 166th... out of 172 countries.