he world is experiencing an extraordinary phenomenon with people across the globe living longer lives. Today, most individuals can expect to reach their sixties and beyond, with this trend steadily gaining momentum. According to the World Health Organization, by 2030, one in six individuals worldwide will be over 60 years old.
This demographic shift is both profound and unprecedented. The global population aged 60 and above is projected to rise from 1 billion in 2020 to 1.4 billion by 2030.
By 2050, this figure will double, with the number of people aged 80 or older tripling to 426 million. Known as population aging, this transformation first emerged in high-income nations, with Japan leading the way. Today, nearly 30% of Japan’s population is over 60, a staggering testament to the nation’s longevity.
The rise of centenarians is equally extraordinary. The world is now home to an estimated 722,000 centenarians, according to the United Nations’ 2024 projections. Japan, with its remarkable 146,000 centenarians, boasts the highest number of individuals aged 100 and above.
Japanese life expectancy, at 84 years, is the highest globally, significantly surpassing India’s 69 years and the United States’ 76 years. Among Japan’s regions, Okinawa stands out. Once devastated by World War II, this area has emerged as a beacon of longevity, boasting a life expectancy higher than the national average.
Agimi, a village in Okinawa, is renowned as the “Village of Longevity.” The.