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Articles related to focusing on healthy aging, prevention, mobility, cognition, nutrition, independence, and caregiving support.

4 min

Is life expectancy increasing in Japan? A look at recent trends

According to Japan's Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare, the average life expectancy for Japanese women was 87.13 years and for men was 81.09 years in 2024, demonstrating a slight but steady increase following temporary dips caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The broader trend indicates that while the rate of increase has slowed compared to previous decades, **is life expectancy increasing in Japan** is more accurately answered with a nuanced 'yes, but with complications'.

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4 min

Does Japan Have a Retirement Age? A Look at its Evolving Policies

According to official data, the number of employed seniors in Japan has risen for over 20 consecutive years, a clear sign of shifting workforce dynamics. In this authoritative guide, we answer the question, **Does Japan have a retirement age?**, and explore how legal and social changes are reshaping employment for older adults.

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4 min

How Japanese Respect Elderly People: The Cultural Roots and Everyday Practices of Keirō

Influenced by Confucian principles emphasizing filial piety, the Japanese culture of respecting the elderly is a deeply ingrained social norm. This reverence, known as *keirō*, extends far beyond polite gestures, permeating daily interactions, familial duties, and a dedicated national holiday. Understanding the nuance of how Japanese respect elderly people reveals a society that values the wisdom and experience of its senior citizens.

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4 min

How old is the average Japanese? (Median Age and Demographics)

With a median age of 49.8 years in 2025, Japan's population is among the oldest in the world, surpassed only by Monaco. This statistic is a key indicator of the nation's profound demographic shift, resulting from a combination of low fertility rates and high life expectancy, and directly answers the question of how old is the average Japanese.

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3 min

Does everyone get pension in Japan? A guide to mandatory coverage and eligibility

According to the Japan Pension Service, all registered residents of Japan between the ages of 20 and 59 are legally required to be covered by the public pension system. While this is the official rule, the direct answer to **does everyone get pension in Japan?** is more nuanced due to specific exemptions, payment requirements, and international agreements.

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3 min

What is Kaigo hoken in Japan? A Comprehensive Guide to the Long-Term Care Insurance System

Launched in 2000, Japan's Long-Term Care Insurance system, known as *Kaigo hoken*, provides vital support to the nation's rapidly aging population. This mandatory public program is designed to provide affordable care services for seniors and individuals with disabilities due to age, easing the caregiving burden on families. By 2025, it is estimated that Japan's long-term care costs could exceed ¥15 trillion.

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4 min

Do nursing homes exist in Japan? The reality of elderly care and Kaigo Hoken

With the world's highest proportion of elderly people, Japan has a highly developed system of long-term care. Yes, nursing homes exist in Japan, but they are one component of a broader, mandatory social insurance system, known as *Kaigo Hoken*, which covers a wide array of support services and facilities.

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