24 July 2005

Who Lives The Longest?

The Japanese do. For the 20th straight year.
TOKYO (Reuters) --- Japanese women had a life expectancy of 85.59 years in 2004, making them the world's longest living group for the 20th consecutive year, the government said on Friday.

Japanese men trailed with a life expectancy of 78.64 years, which placed them second for longevity after Icelandic men, who live an average of 78.8 years.

The government attributes Japanese longevity to a range of factors, including a healthy diet and improving medical care, a spokeswoman for the Health Ministry said.

The Japanese diet tends to be rich in vegetables and fish products and relatively low in animal fats.

[ Reuters Health, Jul 22 2005 ]

By 2050, the Japanese government predicts that Japanese women's life expectancy will increase to 89.22 and men's to 80.95.

The downside? Japan has an aging population. In fact, by 2030, it is predicted that Japan will be one of the world's most elderly societies.

7 reactions:

Anonymous said...

I am not sure if I want to live that long. I think 70 - 75 would be a good time to go. The most important ingredient is quality of life and, of course, if it is possible at all, to go peacefully without pain. But that's out of our hands, isn't that so? :)

Jotakken said...

In other words, eat a lot of meat and fat so you don't have to live that long. Kidding aside.

Who's going to take care of the old folks? There's not enough social security checks for them!

may said...

that might lead to a nursing shortage in the future...hhhhmmmmm....i won't be surprised if decades from now japan will import nurses.

Anonymous said...

Meanwhile, the Philippines is a young country!

P.S. We missed you at the EB last nite! Tito Rolly said you were in Batangas. There's another EB coming up on Thursday, I think. Hope you can make that one! It's gonna be in Makati naman.

Dr. Emer said...

Bayi: No one knows when we will go, but it's good if we can stay longer to enjoy the company of our family and friends.

Kuiipo: That is the next big question, indeed: who will take care of them?

May: I think Japan IS already importing nurses.

Toni: I'll try my best to see you guys on Thursday.

BabyPink said...

japan being one of the world's most elderly societies is really a problem of the japanese today. many of our students bring this up often. another one is the "gap" (interms of culture, attitude, etc.) between the elderlies and the younger generation. hirap din kasi i-reconcile eh.:)

Dr. Emer said...

Baby Pink: I think a good talk between the two can settle any differences.