What we can learn from Japan having more than 100,000 people who are 100 or older?

 

This year, the number of people ages 100 or older in Japan surpassed a record of 100,000.

Japan now has 107,677 centenarians, up 7,914 from the previous year and exceeding the 100,000 mark for the first time. Nearly 88% of them are women.

Kyoto resident Fuyo Kishimoto was recently recognized as the oldest Japanese woman at age 114. Japan’s oldest man is 112-year-old Hikaru Kato from Kumamoto in southern Japan.

 “I’m very pleased that many people are living long, healthy and active lives,” Health Minister Kenichiro Ueno said, citing progress in medical technology, healthy lifestyle and diet as contributing factors.

But more important, how to ageing gracefully?

When Mieko Nagaoka was 100, she published her book entitled: "I'm 100 years old and the world's best active swimmer" before going on to set the first world record for her age group, swimming 1,500m in a 25m pool. At 105 years old, she still enters Masters competitions and currently holds 18 world records.

 Another beloved centurion was Master class sprinter Hidekichi Miyazaki, who passed away in 2019 at 108 years old. Nicknamed “Golden Bolt” after the Olympic Gold medalist Usain Bolt, Miyazaki made headlines at 105 years old when he set the world’s first record for 100m sprint for the 105-and-over age category.

Asked about his performance he replied, “I’m not happy with the time,” echoing the competitive mentality that drives Nagaoka to swim.

Thus this “never losing the competitive spirit” (a healthy rivalry, whether against a near-aged competitor or your younger self), combined with the hope of achievement, seem also to play an important part.

Other attributes include:

Older Japanese adults strongly avoid the meiwaku (being a nuisance) mentality—the desire not to be a burden or cause trouble for family or society, i.e. being self-reliance.

Over 60% of people over 65 stay in the labor force, viewing themselves as productive community members - a strong incentive to keep working as a cog in the social wheel for as long as possible.

According to the Cabinet Office’s Annual Report on The Ageing Society, a staggering 70% of people aged 60-69, and about 50% of people aged 70 and above are either working or engaged in volunteer activities, community activities and hobbies. Seniors are participating in local community centers, group exercise, and peer networks like moai (support circles).

Having a social life that does not rely on young family members is a major factor in engaging in hobbies. Aside from active sports such as swimming (a very popular sport with the senior community due to its rehabilitative benefits), elders are engaged in various activities from traditional calligraphy, flower arrangement, sewing, to taking up musical instruments and dancing.

Moreover, low-impact physical habits like walking, gardening, and stretching are seamlessly woven into everyday routines.

According to Yuko Oguma, associate professor in Health Management Research at the Keio Sports Medicine Research Center, athletic ability has been linked to higher cognitive ability.

“Light exercise, whether stretching, walking daily, working out at the local community center, is effective,” says Oguma. “Not only for cognitive functions but from a social aspect as well. Compared to 10 years ago, the Japanese seniors are healthier, and have a higher quality of living. This is thought to be a combination of better medical aid and understanding of our bodies. Recently, there has been evidence that muscles can continue to strengthen, even in old age, which is contrary to what we believed in. We believed muscles deteriorate with age, but research is finding that not only can we still train and strengthen our muscles, but that it is important.”

Oguma also believes that having so many peers within the society that look out for one another, is an understated factor in ageing gracefully. “Often it is the senior citizens themselves that put together programs within the community. They work among themselves to provide activities, to be more fit or to be included socially. It is this proactiveness that strengthens them.”

Now, Japanese policy makers, companies and communities are focusing more and more on improving the quality of life of their senior citizens. 

Your Exercise Should Change With Age

 

When you get older, your muscles, joints, hormones and recovery all change:

• Muscle mass begins to decline (a process known as sarcopenia), metabolism slows and joints become stiffer.
• Hormonal changes: impacting everything from your energy levels to bone density.
• Females often have more rapid changes than males due to a decline in estrogen during menopause. Decreased estrogen speeds bone and muscle loss.

Thus certain types of exercise become more valuable than others as you age. An older adult may focus more on balance and strength to prevent falls.

Preventing falls is crucial for older adults because falls are a leading cause of severe, life-threatening injuries and loss of independence.

Falls can cause serious health problems, including broken bones (fractures) of the hip and spine, leading to long-term complications and hospitalizations. Severe impacts can also cause dangerous brain injuries or internal bleeding. Moreover, falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths in individuals over 65.

Balance, Stability and Control

Balance is your ability to maintain control of your body’s position, whether standing still or moving. It relies on coordination between your muscles, joints, vision, inner ear and nervous system.

Balance is particularly important as you get older since it is an area of function that begins to decline. Having good balance helps reduce fall risk, improves body awareness, and assists with everyday tasks like stepping over an obstacle, walking on uneven ground, or turning quickly. 

Stability is your ability to control your body and joints during movement. It helps you maintain body alignment and transfer force efficiently when moving. It also helps your muscles support your joints through different positions, which can reduce unnecessary strain and make movement feel more controlled.

Building control alongside balance can help keep your body aligned and joints stable, which is important for completing everyday movements safely and with confidence. For example, good knee stability helps you perform squats safely or climb stairs without excessive movement or strain on the knee joint. Core stability helps protect your spine when lifting or carrying, and good shoulder stability helps you reach, push, and pull with control.

Moreover, stability also helps reduce compensations, which can place extra stress on nearby joints and muscles.

Controlled movements like single-leg stands can improve stability and prevent falls.

Strength and Power

Strength is the ability of your muscles to produce force. Maintaining muscle mass supports your independence, joint stability, bone health, joint function, posture and metabolism. Maintaining muscle is especially important as you get older, because muscle mass and strength naturally decline with age. 

Strength training, also known as weight training or resistance training, is exercise designed to improve strength using body weight, free weights, or resistance bands to build muscle mass, increase power and improve bone density.

Having strong muscles helps you lift, push, pull, carry, climb, and support your body through daily activities.

Aim for 2-4 sessions per week and focus on the major muscle groups.

Besides strength and balance, a well-rounded, balanced fitness routine should also include endurance and mobility.

Endurance

Endurance training involves continuous physical exercise to strengthen your aerobic system, heart, and lungs, allowing you to sustain activity for longer periods

A few examples of aerobic endurance exercise include activities like walking, jogging, sprinting, cycling and swimming.

All these activities will raise your heart rate and support heart health, blood pressure, blood sugar regulation, sleep, mood, stamina and overall energy. It also makes everyday activities feel easier, from climbing stairs to walking long distances.

Mobility and flexibility:

Flexibility refers to your muscles’ ability to lengthen passively, i.e., how far a muscle can stretch when you are not using it to produce movement.

Mobility goes a step beyond flexibility, it is the ability to move a joint actively through its full range of motion.

Good mobility helps you squat, reach overhead, rotate, bend, walk, and perform other movements with better form.

Regular mobility training reduces stiffness, prevents injuries, and supports everyday movements, from bending to tie your shoes to performing advanced yoga poses.

Having said these, a balanced fitness routine does not require separate workouts. Although each pillar trains a different physical quality, many activities train multiple pillars at once. For example, strength exercises like weighted lunges can build strength, stability and balance simultaneously.

The key is to train facets of all pillars to maximize your fitness. Together, they create a well-rounded approach to movement that supports health, performance and longevity. The more time you spend doing exercises, the more fit you will become.

How to Improve Heart Health

 

There are many changes you can make to keep your heart healthy and strong.

Quitting smoking is one of the most important steps you should take to protect your heart, as smoking is a top controllable risk factor for heart disease.

In addition, other lifestyle changes, especially those related to diet, exercise and mental health, can also help improve your heart health:

Heart-healthy dietary changes 

These include managing excess body fat, eating more soluble fiber, incorporating omega-3-rich fish, limiting salt and saturated fat intake, and eating foods like nuts, dark chocolate and tea:

• Manage excess body fat - Research in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology has linked excess belly fat to higher blood pressure and unhealthy blood lipid levels.

• Include fiber into the diet - A diet rich in soluble fiber can help lower the level of low-density lipoprotein, or “bad cholesterol.” Sources of soluble fiber include beans, oats, barley, apples, pears and avocados.

• Reach for whole grains, such as oatmeal, whole-grain cereals, or whole-wheat toast, and lean protein sources, such as turkey bacon or a small serving of nuts or peanut butter as well as fruits and vegetables

• Eat fish - Eating a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids can also help ward off heart disease. Many fish, such as salmon, tuna, sardines, and herring, are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids.

• Eat nuts - Almonds, walnuts, pecans, and other tree nuts deliver a powerful punch of heart-healthy fats, protein and fiber. Including them in the diet can help lower your risk of cardiovascular disease. But please note that while nuts are full of healthy stuff, they are also high in calories.

• Limit salt intake - Processed and restaurant-prepared foods tend to be especially high in salt.

• Reduce your saturated fat intake - Slicing your saturated fat intake to no more than 7 percent of your daily calories can cut your risk of heart disease. Instead, you can switch your unhealthy fat intake with healthy fats, such as olive oil.

• Drink tea - Drinking one to three cups of tea per day may help lower your risk of heart problems. For example, it is linked to lower rates of angina and heart attacks.

• Eat dark chocolate - Dark chocolate not only tastes delicious, it also contains heart-healthy flavonoids. These compounds help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of heart disease, suggest scientists in the journal Nutrients.

Regular physical activity 

No matter how much you weigh, sitting for long periods of time could shorten your lifespan, warn researchers in the Archives of Internal Medicine and the American Heart Association. Couch potato and desk jockey lifestyles seem to have an unhealthy effect on blood fats and blood sugar.

Including walking, strength training, yoga, dancing, or even household chores may help improve heart health and lower cardiovascular disease risk.

And according to research published in the Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine, yoga has the potential to reduce one’s risk of cardiovascular disease.

Meanwhile, research published in the American Journal of Cardiology shows that a lower frequency of sexual activity is associated with higher rates of cardiovascular disease. While according to the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, chronic stress, anxiety and anger can raise your risk of heart disease and stroke. Thus learning ways to manage your stress and anxiety may help you stay healthier for longer.

Perilla Oil - A Teasure Trove of Omega-3s

 

Perilla oil, known in Korea as deulgireum, is derived from cold-pressing the seeds of the perilla plant – a fragrant herb better known by its Japanese name, shiso. It has a distinctive nuttiness and herbal quality, with a slight aniseed finish. It is used as a flavor enhancer, condiment and cooking oil in Korean cuisine.

Perilla oil is a nutrient-dense, plant-based oil known as a "treasure trove of omega-3s", being rich in polyphenols (particularly rosmarinic acid) and triterpenoids (particularly ursolic acid), natural molecules that demonstrate anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant and anti-allergic qualities. Perilla oil can be used for the treatment of coronary heart disease, hypertension, cancers, arthritis, and asthma, due to its high degree of polyunsaturation:

Supports Heart Health

It contains one of the highest concentrations of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)—a plant-based Omega-3—of any vegetable oil. This helps lower triglycerides and cholesterol, reducing the risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease.

Reduces Inflammation and Allergies

Being rich in polyphenols like rosmarinic acid, perilla oil helps suppress chemical mediators that cause allergic responses and inflammatory conditions like asthma.

Boosts Brain Function

The high omega-3 and antioxidant content supports neurological health and has been shown to enhance cognitive function and mental well-being in the elderly.

Improves Gut Health

Adding it to the diet can encourage the growth of beneficial gut microbiota and help regulate the digestive system.

Skincare & Hair Benefits

The oil demonstrates excellent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities due to its abundance of linoleic acid. This makes it a great choice for many skin types, including aging and mature skin, problematic skin types and acne as well as dry skin.

Perilla oil contains high amounts of omega-3 essential fatty acid and ALA. Being rich in flavones (plant compounds), it offers potent antioxidant activity thus helping to prevent free-radical-induced damage to the skin cells which can result in premature aging and keeping mature skin looking firm and toned. With regular use of this oil, the skin can become clearer, calmer and toned with a refreshed look. 

Moreover, its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and non-comedogenic (will not clog pores) properties make it perfect for oily or acne-prone skin, while also helping to soothe dermatitis and eczema.

It also contains a compound which acts as a natural precursor for ceramides, which plays a role in maintaining the skin barrier to protect against water loss. This makes it very suitable in dry skin body oils and face products for drier complexions

In addition, it also contains a compound which acts as a natural precursor for ceramides, which plays a role in maintaining the skin barrier to protect against water loss. This makes it very suitable for drier complexions.

Promotes Hair Growth

When applied topically, the ALA in perilla oil helps nourish hair follicles. It also has a lightweight, fast-absorbing texture that tames frizz without leaving a greasy residue.

Dietary

It has a rich, earthy, and slightly nutty flavor. It is an excellent finishing oil for noodles, grains, and vegetable dishes (namul, meaning Korean vegetable side dishes). Because it has a low smoke point and is prone to oxidation, it should not be heated.

Black Coffee vs. Dark Coffee Roasts

 

Coffee is rich in several types of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that reduce the risk of many serious health conditions like cancer and heart disease by fighting cell damage. Coffee also contains moderate amounts of vitamin B2 and magnesium. Thus you could get health benefits from drinking moderate amounts of coffee:

Alzheimer’s disease prevention.

More than one study has linked regular coffee intake to a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. In one study, middle-aged people who drank three to four daily cups of coffee had a 65% lower risk of developing dementia when they got older. On the other hand, another study found that people who drank more than six cups of coffee a day had a 53% higher risk of dementia.

Parkinson’s disease prevention.

Several studies have shown that the more coffee you drink, the less likely you are to develop Parkinson’s disease. If you already have Parkinson’s, it can help you gain better control over your movements.

Reduced risk of cancer.

Studies have found that coffee may help lower the risk for some forms of cancer, including breast, colorectal, and liver cancers due to coffee’s antioxidants. However, coffee may also contain very small amounts of a chemical called acrylamide, considered a possible carcinogen.

Reduced risk of cirrhosis.

Drinking coffee can reduce the risk of the late-stage liver disease cirrhosis, especially when the damage comes from alcohol. One large study found that drinking four or more cups a day could reduce your risk of alcoholic cirrhosis by as much as 80%. Drinking the same amount may reduce your risk of non-alcoholic cirrhosis by up to 30%.

Improved mood.

Because caffeine is a stimulant, coffee is a known mood-booster.  Studies have shown that coffee may even help reduce your risk of depression, especially if you drink four or more cups per day.

Diabetes management.

Drinking coffee can reduce your chances of getting type 2 diabetes. One large study showed that for every extra cup of coffee a person drank each day, their diabetes risk dropped by 11%. Drinking one less cup of coffee per day increased the risk by 17%. But if you already have type 2 diabetes, coffee can raise both blood sugar and insulin levels.

Weight management.

There is some evidence that the caffeine in coffee could help with weight control. One study found that people who drank more caffeinated drinks were slightly less likely to gain weight than those who cut down on coffee and tea. Another showed that people who drank caffeinated beverages 30 minutes to 4 hours before meals tended to eat less.

But drinking coffee with lots of high-calorie cream and sugar is likely to outweigh any weight-control benefits of caffeine.

Also, too much caffeine can cause jittery feelings, anxiety, insomnia and a fast heart rate. It can also lead to digestive problems like an upset stomach and nausea. Coffee gives some people heartburn.

Black Coffee

Black coffee is simply coffee with nothing added – no cream, no milk, no sweetener. When you leave out those extra ingredients, you leave out the calories, fat, and sugar that come with them. A cup of plain black coffee is just 3–4 calories. Thus it has become a popular choice in many weight loss plans while its regular consumption also decreases the chances of developing such illnesses as type two diabetes, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and various conditions affecting the liver such as cirrhosis and liver cancer.

A cup of plain black coffee contains over 1000 bioactive compounds, it is basically an antioxidant powerhouse that the body genuinely benefits from, if consumed in moderation.

Antioxidants contained in black coffee decrease inflammation, improve sensitivity to insulin and regulate glucose metabolism.

Several studies show that besides improving endurance and strength, black coffee reduces delayed onset muscle soreness by up to 50% at the 48 hour post workout mark. When combined with post workout carbs, it boosts muscle glycogen replenishment by nearly 65%.

Having between two and four cups per day appears to constitute the optimum level, after which the stimulative effect caused by caffeine leads to the increase of the production of cortisol as well as negative impact on sleep and cardiovascular system health, decreasing the positive effects of antioxidants that black coffee offers. It also makes sense to drink it not immediately upon waking up, as consumption of coffee within first ninety minutes blocks the awakening cortisol response of one's body, making early morning not the best time.

Dark-roast Coffee

Coffee beans are picked when they are green, then roasted to bring out their flavor. Darker roasts are roasted at a higher temperature, and for a longer time, than lighter roasts. The darker the roast, the stronger and more bitter the taste of the coffee. The benefits of dark-roast coffee include:

Antioxidant levels. Light roasted coffee has been found to contain higher levels of the antioxidants polyphenol and chlorogenic acid than darker roasts. These compounds may be damaged during the longer, hotter roasting process for dark coffees. However, research has also shown that dark coffee may have higher total antioxidant activity.

Cholesterol-raising compound. A study that looked at coffee brewed without a filter (such as French press) found that dark roast coffee contained slightly less of a substance called cafestol than lighter roasts. Cafestol is thought to increase cholesterol levels.

Digestive symptoms. One small study from 2004 concluded that the level of roasting made no difference in whether people who drank coffee got digestive symptoms like heartburn and stomach aches afterward. A newer but even smaller study found that people who drank dark roast produced less stomach acid than those who drank a medium roast.

Weight control. Another small study found that overweight people who drank about 2 cups of dark roasted coffee a day lost slightly more weight during the 4-week study period than those who had the same amount of light roast coffee.

Sarcopenia With Aging

 

If you lose so much muscle mass that you struggle with basic daily activities, you may be diagnosed with age-related sarcopenia or sarcopenia with aging.

Everyone loses muscle with age, typically about 3%-5% each decade after age 30. Inactive people lose the most. The loss can become more noticeable and start to speed up at around age 60.

Sarcopenia can be a serious problem. Once you have lost a lot of muscle and strength, you may struggle to do things such as getting out of chairs, opening jars, or carrying groceries. You also can become frail, easily loss of balance and so have a higher risk of falls, broken bones, disability and even death.

The major cause of sarcopenia is aging.

There are some of the things happening in our bodies as we age that might contribute to sarcopenia:

• Reduction in nerve cells responsible for sending signals from the brain to the muscles to start movement
• Lower concentrations of some hormones, including growth hormone, testosterone, and insulin-like growth factor
• A decrease in the ability to turn protein into energy
• Increases in inflammation, partly due to disease

In addition to the biological changes that are part of the aging process, older adults are likely to have additional risk factors, such as inactivity, a poor diet, and chronic disease, which contribute to loss of muscle and strength.

Sedentary lifestyle

Studies suggest that staying active as you age can cut your risk of sarcopenia significantly. Spending a lot of time inactive may contribute to lost muscle and strength even if you exercise during other parts of the day.

Diet

The body has increasing trouble turning protein into energy as we age. Some studies show a link between eating too little protein and developing sarcopenia. You can slow the losses of muscle and strength down with a high-quality diet with plenty of protein, including protein from plant foods such as beans and nuts.

Other dietary habits, including diets low in fruits and vegetables, may also play a role. Diets with a lot of ultra-processed foods — manufactured products with high levels of sugar, salt, additives, and unhealthy fats — also have been linked to low muscle mass.

In general, older adults who are malnourished, because they eat too little or eat a diet that does not provide adequate nutrients for their needs, are at higher risk for sarcopenia and decline more rapidly when they have it.

Obesity

Some of the same factors that raise the risk for sarcopenia, such as inactivity and a poor diet, can lead to obesity. When you have both conditions, doctors call it sarcopenic obesity. Obesity appears to worsen sarcopenia. High levels of body fat increase inflammation and change how your body responds to a hormone called insulin, both of which can speed up muscle loss. Obesity can also make it harder to stay active, leading to a cycle of muscle loss and fat accumulation. 

Chronic illness

Having a chronic disease such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, kidney disease, diabetes, cancer, or HIV increases the risk of sarcopenia.

You cannot prevent all the losses of muscle and strength that come with age. But you can slow them down with lifestyle changes, especially increases in physical activity.

In fact, the primary treatment is strength training (also called resistance training), which can help regain strength and mobility.

As you work on strength, it is also a good idea to include aerobic exercise, such as walking, to build endurance and improve overall health, and balance exercises, to reduce the risk of falling.

Although sarcopenia can have a big effect on your quality of life, making it harder for you to do things you want to do and get around your home and community, if you start a strength-training program and make other lifestyle changes, you can regain some strength and mobility. But if you do nothing, you will get weaker and lose more muscle and may eventually need full-time care.

Dried Apricots - Support Muscle Health in Seniors

 

Dried apricots are a type of preserved fruit made from ripe apricots that have had most of their water content removed through the drying process. 

Dried apricots are often chewy and have a sweet and tangy flavor. They can be used in a variety of culinary applications and baking (such as in cookies, cakes and muffins).

Dried apricots can also be chopped and added to cereals, trail mixes, or salads for added texture and flavor. Some people also rehydrate them by soaking in water or other liquids before using them in recipes.

There are different varieties of dried apricots, each with its unique flavor and characteristics. Common varieties include Moorpark, Blenheim and Tilton.

Dried apricots offer several health benefits due to their nutrient-rich profile, for example, being a good source of essential vitamins. Some of the key benefits of consuming dried apricots include: 

Dietary Fiber: 

Dried apricots are high in dietary fiber, which can help support healthy digestion, prevent constipation and promote a feeling of fullness. This, together with the low calorie content of dried apricots, can aid in weight management.

Antioxidants: 

The antioxidants in dried apricots, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene, can help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Bone Health: 

Dried apricots contain essential minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and potassium, which are important for maintaining strong and healthy bones.

Supportive food for building muscle after age 75:

Dried apricots are exceptionally high in potassium, containing more per 100g than a banana. Potassium helps regulate muscle contractions and nerve signals and prevent the leg cramps that often affect older adults.

They are also rich in beta-carotene, which research links to improved muscle health and stronger grip strength in adults aged 65–85. This, together with vitamin E, can fight oxidative stress, a factor that can contribute to muscle loss and weakness in older adults.

The alkaline salts in apricots help preserve muscle mass in older adults by reducing overall body acidity.

Dried apricots are a good source of iron, which helps improve energy levels and combats fatigue by enhancing oxygen-carrying capacity.

They contain minerals like calcium and boron, which support overall structural health, aiding in the prevention of bone density loss often associated with aging.

While they do not provide large amounts of protein, they support the muscle recovery process, particularly when included in a balanced diet for older adults. 

Heart Health: 

The potassium content in dried apricots can help regulate blood pressure and support heart health by reducing the risk of hypertension.

Prevention of Anemia:

Dried apricots are a good source of iron. And iron is essential for producing hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen throughout the body.

Skin Health: 

Vitamin A in dried apricots supports skin health and can help improve the appearance of the skin.

Eye Health:

The beta-carotene in dried apricots may help protect and improve eye health, reducing the risk of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.

Energy Boost: 

In contrast to processed energy bars with artificial additives, the natural sugars in dried apricots can provide a quick source of energy, making them a great option for a pre-workout, during strength training sessions or on-the-go snack.

They act as a nutrient-dense, quick-energy snack that helps reduce inflammation and supports muscle tissue maintenance when paired with resistance exercise.

Natural Sweetness: 

Dried apricots can satisfy sweet cravings without the need for added sugars or artificial sweeteners, making them a healthier alternative to many processed snacks such as candy.

However, it is important to consume them in moderation as they are calorie-dense due to their concentrated sugars: 241 calories per 100g.

Additionally, some commercial dried apricots may contain added sugars or preservatives. For example, they are treated with sulfur dioxide to preserve their color and prevent spoilage. Thus it is a good idea to check the product label.