Subscribe now

Life

The shock of the old: Welcome to the elderly age

By Fred Pearce

7 April 2010

An older Japanese woman carrying a baby on her back

In one generation, Japan has gone from being the youngest developed country to the oldest

Getty Images

USHI OKUSHIMA is the oldest resident of Ogimi, the most elderly community in Japan – the country where the average age is higher than anywhere else in the world. At 108, she still takes to the floor for traditional Japanese dances. Afterwards she dabs a little French perfume behind her ears and sips the local firewater. Okushima was born when Japan had only recently seen off the shogun warlords. If an ageing population is on the way, she is not a bad advert…

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox. We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

Sign up

To continue reading, subscribe today with our introductory offers

More from New Scientist

Explore the latest news, articles and features

Piano Exit Overlay Banner Mobile Piano Exit Overlay Banner Desktop