The 3 Secrets to Japanese Longevity
A closer look at the healthiest population on Earth
According to a 2019 life expectancy report, the average lifespan of the whole world is 72.6 years, but for Japan, it is 84.6 years. With more than 29% of its population over the age of 65, the Land of the Rising Sun is consistently recognized for its big community of healthy elders. On December 28, 2012, Jiroemon Kimura became the oldest verified male in history — he lived for 116 years and 54 days before dying from natural causes.
What’s the Japanese secret to maintaining good health for so many years? In Japan, it is no secret. In fact, everyone learns it at a young age. In their mandatory educational program, Japanese children are taught to eat a balanced diet, keep good hygiene, and exercise daily. Those habits, formed early, help establish a strong foundation for well-being.
I had my own experience in Japan. I wasn’t a tourist; I lived there. I ate what the Japanese around me ate, I drank what they drank, and I shared the same air. I lived my Japanese life as everyone else in the country does. It is easy to eat well and stay fit in each corner of this beloved nation. Here’s a peek at some of the fundamental cornerstones of well-being in Japan.
