Japanese women extend life expectancy to new high

[Bonobo]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/07/26/AR2010072603461.html

TOKYO -- Japanese women are expected to live almost 86 1/2 years, topping the world longevity ratings for the 25th straight year, the government reported Monday.

The statistics for 2009 compiled and published by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare showed both Japanese women and men extended their average life expectancy to new records - 86.44 years for women and 79.59 years for men. Average life spans rose by almost five months for women and nearly four months for men compared to the previous year.

Japanese men, however, saw their average life expectancy slip to fifth from fourth in the world ranking, according to a ministry official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, citing department rules.

Long life is usually good news. But in a country with a low birth rate and declining population, longer life expectancies mean a disproportionately large elderly population. The graying of society is expected in the near future to strain government services and pension programs, while causing labor shortages.

[HEyHEY]

1. I heard that Miso soup is why

No idea if there's truth to that.

[Bonobo]

2. More likely green tea, but who knows?

I think a balanced diet is important. Japanese eat MUCH smaller amounts of meat but don't shun healthy fat.

I think it's all about balance.

Oh, and national health care and long hospital stays in good facilities don't hurt either.

[Art_from_Ark]

4. They also tend to get more exercise in their retirement years

It's not uncommon, for example, to see Japanese in their 60s and 70s riding bicycles

[Hannah Bell]

5. they also (men) smoke like chimneys & work too much, drink rather a lot & eat too much salt.

above absolute poverty, longevity correlates with degree of socio-economic equality better than any dietary factors.

[Hannah Bell]

3. 20% of japan's population is *already* over 65. yet the country has not descended into penury.

in fact, the oldsters are financing its debt with their post office savings.

impending labor shortages my ass. 1/3 of the japanese labor force is part-time/temporary, low-pay, no benefits, no guarantees.

there's a glut of labor in japan, & japanese easily produce enough to pay for a decent retirement for seniors.

japanese per capita gdp = $38.5k




not directed at you bonobo, just the idiot wapo.