Implications of Research Findings Obtained from Centenarians

The number of centenarians in Japan has increased more than a hundred times over the past four decades, reaching nearly 20,000 persons currently. The rate of centenarians in the population is higher in the western part of Japan, where mortality from stroke is low. Centenarians generally have nutritionally well-balanced diets that are rich in animal food and vegetables. They tend to be extroverted, optimistic, hard working, and scrupulous. A recent national survey on centenarians revealed that they have a positive view of their health status, although the degree of independent functioning in activities of daily living is low.