Tips for being active: learning secrets of the Japanese elderly
Your question is really compelling: Why are the Japanese elderly surprisingly active?
I take it you’re surprised to see so many elderly walking around, wherever you go for a stroll.
And yes, it really is intriguing.
Comparatively, the Japanese elderly are very very active; from walking early in the morning to doing exercises.
A common form of exercise in Japan is known as radio-calisthenics or ラジオ体操. It’s essentially a warm-up calisthenics performed by listening to music and guidance from radio broadcasts.
Some estimates even suggest that around 7.7% of the population performs these exercises everyday. So it is a pretty big deal. [1]
A true mystery…
They stay healthy – even in their old age.
It really is a true mystery.
I myself am turning 50 next year, and am slowly approaching an ‘elderly’ like status.
Hopefully, age will not limit me from being active – just like the elderly you see daily.
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Well anyways, enough about me, let’s move onto your question.
Your question is easier to understand, breaking it into two components:
1). “Why do we see so many ‘active’ elderly?”
2). “Is it bad to have a community of elders that are more active?”
The first answers your primary-intent “Why do you see so many elderly?” and the second answers your secondary-intent, “Whether they will affect my life opportunities or not?”
I hope you don’t mind that the answer slightly deviates from your original one.
Now, let’s get started with the 1st point: “Why do we see a more active elderly community?”
Yes, your first thought is likely true. There are more elderly now then in the past.
You see, in Japan, you legally become a “senior citizen” when you turn 65. And become a “late-state senior citizen” above the age of 75. In 2024, it is estimated that roughly 30% of the population was a “senior”. And 15% of the population was a “late-stage senior”.
Consider that for a minute… If 30% of the population is considered old, is it really a wonder to see so many of them?
The percentages are only predicted to increase. It’s forecasted in 2060 that 40% and 25% of the population will be 65+ and 75+ respectively.
1 in 2.5 people will at least be 65+ and 1 in 4 people you meet will be at least 75. That’s crazy to think about!!
Although, in 2060, you will be 60+ and I will be 90+, so it’s not that crazy to think about…
One more thing. I mentioned why there are more elderly, but not why they are healthier. That’s what you wanted to know right?.
Well, the answer is quite simple.
Why are they healthier?
Continuous improvement in the standard of well being and medical technology. These two put together has allowed the elderly to care for their health.
Colds and illnesses that once decimated nations are now just a subtle nuisance.
Over-the-counter medicine can now cure century-old diseases.
Cheap vaccines replaced what was once priced in the thousands.
When people are healthy, they naturally want to stay active and go outside.
It feels good to move your body and get morning sunshine right?
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Yes and as a result, you see more of an active elderly community wherever you go.
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Okay, let’s move onto the 2nd point: Is a more energetic elderly community a problem?
To answer this question, we first have to look into Japan’s history.
One of the most symbolic periods in which Japan experienced significant growth was after the defeat of WW2. It was the time when the younger generation took over the broken economy.
After WW2, the Japanese Zaibatsu [2] were forced to be dissolved under the threat of the US army. The US believed the Zaibutsu were a threat. Thinking that they had supported the growth of Japan’s militarization act.
For context, the Zaibatsu (財閥）were each large corporations that held significant influence over the economy. Some of the most famous Zaibatsu were Mitsubishi, Sumimoto, Mitsui.
Funnily enough, these companies still exist to this day. However, they have been broken down into constituent parts. The main holding company being forced to sell shares of the subsidiary companies they owned.
With the big corporations gone, smaller corporations now had a chance to compete. Global giants like Sony and Honda were established by the youth, after WW2. The youth were given the opportunity to innovate and satisfy peoples desires.
And the rapid growth that these youthful businesses experienced was what pushed Japan’s economy to recover.
Anyways, the same logic can be applied to now. With much of the elderly community controlling the economy, like the Zaibatsu, “What would happen if they’re gone?”.
I would say that Japan’s economy will grow again. What I mean is that there will be, once again, an opportunity for the youth to grow.
In another sense, yes, I say it is a problem that many of the energetic elderly still hold positions of leadership since it limits the chance of Japan being re-energized
Why?
It’s controversial, but I would say that the youth has greater brain CPU capacity. They can make decisions quicker, take actions quickly and pursue different approaches. In essence, they can adapt better than us.
They try new and interesting things. That’s what led to success in the past and that’s what will lead to success now.
Yes, the elderly were once just like the youth. Unfortunately, as we got older, we became fixed with our thoughts. These thoughts are the ones that unconsciously dictate our actions, and on occasion, limit our growth.
Hesitancy has engulfed our actions. It’s become harder to try and learn new things and has become much easier to make decisions based one experience. While it’s amazing to sustain a business, it does not lead to growth.
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However, even with all the potential, it’s unlikely we will see the same effect as the Zaibatsu dissolution. Without a tragedy, there is a lack of pressure to innovate and change. And with this, I strongly believe that the youth will, at this current point, not be given full control. Thus no event like the aftermath of WW2 will likely occur.
So instead, we need to consider how to shift social responsibility by providing opportunities of leadership to the youth. Instead of removing the elderly, they should be sought as advisors and supports for the youth. This integration of the desires of both generations is what I believe will lead to lasting success.
Even the greatest structural change of the Zaibatsu dissolution lasted only a few decades after its occurrence…
Some potential solutions?
In order for Japan to have a lasting impact, the need to consider both sides of the coin. Both the elderly and the youth need to be incorporated into any planned strategies.
One idea is to create a trust-fund for the youth. Essentially:
1). A fund that provides the youth the funds it needs to start a company
2). The fund is led by the youth but the elderly provides advice when required
3). Then the fund itself is shaped by the youth but is helped by the elderly
4). If one fund were to succeed, it would become the structure for another fund.
With this structure set in place, the youth are provided the opportunities to grow.
While the elderly can satisfy their desire to play a role in shaping society. Not only does it allow the youth to grow but the elderly to stay happy. And any plan that integrates both sides of the coin are bound to shape society in a massive way.
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Maybe this inspires you to start a business of your own. If you do, I wish you the best of luck
Anyways, I hope this has helped you answer your question.
[1] : Culmination of warm-ups and stretches undergone with the guidance and music from the radio. It was initially created in 1928 and still plays a pivotal role to this day. Estimated that 7.7% of Japanese people commit to this practice daily, while over 50% commit to it at least once a week.
[2] : Zaibatsu was a form of a large monopoly back in the Meiji Period of Japan. These company help majority market power and held subsidiary (smaller companies) that were themselves large in other industries. The Zaibatsu itself can otherwise be recognized as a holding company.