According to a study of aging in six countries, the majority of Japanese people do not expect to live a full century, in contrast to other people's attitudes about longevity.
The survey results show that the majority of Japanese people "think there will be many negative problems at the age of 100", and just over 20% of people feel they will be happy when they live long enough.
The author of the study, Mr. Takashi Tanaka, concluded in his report: “When we look at people's views on living 100 years, it is clear that Japan is the only country that does not see positive aspects in longevity.”
Japanese people are concerned about negative problems they may encounter when living to 100 years old. (Photo: SCMP)
According to the report, the negative aspects that Japanese people are concerned about mainly include not wanting to become a burden to their family when they grow old and physical and mental difficulties at the age of 100 years. Survey participants in the US, China, South Korea, Germany and Finland also shared this concern.
“However, people in other countries still focus more on the positive aspects,” Mr. Tanaka said.
Only 27,4% of Japanese said they wanted to live to be 100 years old, compared with 52,8% of Germans, 53,1% of Koreans, 58,4% of Finns, 65,6% of Chinese and 66,7 .XNUMX% of Americans.
The study was conducted by the Centenarian Research Institute to mark the United Nations' International Day of Happiness on March 20. The research team surveyed 3 Japanese people between the ages of 2.800 and 20 about their thoughts on aging, along with a similar number of participants in other countries.
Kanako Hosomura, a 41-year-old housewife in Yokohama (Japan), said: “I would be happy if I could live to be 100 years old, but only if I have the physical and mental ability to take care of myself.”
She added: “I don't want to have to ask others to do anything for me, even simple things, because I will become a burden to them. But if I can walk and have a clear mind, why don't I live to be 100 years old?
Hosomura shared that she worries she may become more pessimistic about her future as she gets older, but having close family and friends will give her a positive outlook.
Makoto Suzuki, a 90-year-old cardiologist, said Okinawans have a different view of life expectancy than the rest of Japan.
“There are many reasons why people here live longer, but the most basic reason is 'ikigai',” he said, referring to the traditional concept of purpose in life, reason for being and passion in life. For Suzuki, 'ikigai' is his job in Naha City and as the founder of the Okinawa Longevity Scientific Research Center.
Mr. Suzuki added that besides the reason to survive, many Okinawans still maintain a healthy diet with lots of vegetables, fruits and seafood, and they also maintain a strong sense of community.
“Of course, I want to live to be 100 years old,” Mr. Suzuki said. “I can't be sure that will happen, but I will try to stay healthy.”
Tomoko Owan, a 64-year-old associate professor at the University of Ryukyu's Faculty of Medicine, agrees that a positive outlook on life is important and says she even still teaches karate at a university in Okinawa.
“I believe the key is to be relaxed and have a positive attitude. A healthy, balanced diet is also very helpful." Ms. Owan added that it is also important to exercise both physically, mentally and spiritually every day.
She said: “My health is very good. I really want to live to be 120 years old if I can stay healthy."
The report also found that Japanese people are less satisfied with their lives than others, with the average happiness score of people surveyed in the country reaching only 5,9 on a 10-point scale. This is the lowest. Among the six countries, China emerged as the happiest country with 6 points out of 7,4, followed by Finland with 10 points and Germany with 6,8 points.
Japanese are similarly pessimistic about the country's future, ranking lowest in responses to questions about Japan's “bright future,” its potential for increased happiness and economic growth.
“Looking at the results of the survey, to increase your level of happiness, it is important to feel the happiness of those around you as well as focus on positive issues in your life.” , Mr. Tanaka said.
