Interesting fact: Japan has nearly 100,000 citizens aged 100 or older. Now that’s a true blessing.
In these days of fast-paced everything, your first thought may be that they’ve discovered some sort of medical breakthrough or superfood making this possible, but an article titled “The Quiet Habits Behind Japan’s 100,000 Centenarians,” published by birdsadvice.com, explains this change has been occurring slowly and steadily over the past 50 years.
“Japan’s centenarian milestone did not appear overnight. When the government began formally tracking citizens aged 100 or older in 1963, only 153 people qualified. By 1981, that number had grown to 1,000. In 1998 it surpassed 10,000. By 2012, it crossed 50,000. Now, in 2025, it sits just shy of 100,000,” the article shares.
Environment Matters
This milestone is “the result of decades of cultural habits, public policy decisions, social structures, and everyday routines that quietly compound over a lifetime.” Let that sink in. Healthy living is built into their culture, which means it’s not something that’s done in a vacuum, it’s something that’s done collectively and with the support of the systems, structures and people around them. These centenarians are a product of their environment.
How do they do it? By:
- Following a balanced, moderate and consistent diet
- Prioritizing everyday movement
- Understanding the importance of purpose, connection and community
- Practicing preventive healthcare and an inclusive infrastructure
- Realizing that consistency is the key
The article ends by providing a framework that can be followed to replicate this country-wide achievement. You’ll be happy to know that these principles aren’t just followed in Japan.
Mastering the Art of Living
The Village of Peace in Dimona, Israel has been living this framework for over 50 years as well. The African Hebrew Israelite Community follows a vegan diet, prioritizes exercise (holy concern), understands the importance of an ecology of people (connection and community) and practices holistic, preventive healthcare. We are Mastering the Art of Living. Follow the VillageofPeaceDimona.com to learn simple lifestyle changes you can incorporate starting today as you strive for 100!