Why the Japanese Live Longer

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Mr. Beat examines why people tend to live longer in Japan than in any other country.

Produced by Matt Beat. Music by Electric Needle Room (Mr. Beat's band). All images and video owned by Matt Beat, used under fair use guidelines, or found in the public domain. A special thanks to the AP Archive for use of some of their footage.

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Teo Romera

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Jordy Meow

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan

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Here are the main reasons why the life expectancy is so high in Japan.

#1 They Never Really Retire

Older folks in Japan tend to live with more purpose after they retire. They tend to be more involved in the local community, spend more time around younger family members, and work by choice, rather than economic necessity. They also tend to stay active.

#2 They Prioritize Public Health

Overall, Japan has invested heavily in public health for hundreds of years. From childhood vaccination programs, to universal healthcare, to public service campaigns calling for citizens to regularly check their blood pressure and reduce salt consumption. In Japan, regular check-ups are very common.

#3 It’s All About The Social Cohesion, Baby

Communitarianism is big in Japan. There is a strong group orientation there, which some experts argue gives them a deeper sense of belongingness to society.

#4 There Is Less of a Hierarchy In Japan

A big reason why there is more social cohesion in Japan is because some research shows that there is more equality in Japan compared to most other countries. Sure, there are still social hierarchies, but it’s more common in Japan for folks at different parts of the hierarchy to regularly interact and be friends with each other. In addition, folks there at different parts of the hierarchy tend to share the same values.

#5 Um, Yeah, They Eat Well

But yeah, a big reason why Japanese residents live longer is because they tend to eat better. At least one study found that there are lower rates of heart disease and cancer there because of a lower intake of red meat. Specifically, Japanese residents tend to eat less saturated fatty acids, but more of the good fatty acids found in fish, plant foods, and green tea. That same study also found lower rates of brain-related diseases due to moderate increases in animal and dairy consumption combined with decreases in salt consumption.

#japan #geography #culture