Dr. Sara Mahdavi (left) is an adjunct professor at the University of Toronto and international scholar and collaborator at Harvard University School of Public Health, and she spoke on contributing factors to Japan’s longevity and how others can apply it to their own lives.
Japan has hit a new milestone, breaking their own record of having more than 100,000 people who are 100 years-old and above.
This year marks the 56th consecutive year to see an increase in longevity in Japan. According to Japan’s Health, Labour and Welfare Ministry, this year there are 107,677 centenarians in the country, which is an increase of 7,914 from last year.
Adjunct professor at the University of Toronto and international scholar and collaborator at Harvard University School of Public Health, Dr. Sara Mahdavi, weighed in on factors contributing to Japan’s longevity.
Dr. Mahdavi says that this trend in Japan is one to be celebrated and North Americans could implement some of their ways of living.
She does note the importance that women account for the majority of the centenarian group in Japan, with 94,298 of the group being women.
“In reality, this is not a phenomenon that’s unique to any one part of the world,” said Dr. Mahdavi. “Throughout the world, when we’re looking at ageing, healthy ageing, older individuals, women are disproportionately overrepresented in those who live longer, live healthier.”
She adds that there are statistics showing that in certain countries, women are living longer but are dealing with worse health in the last decades of their lives. When it comes to centenarians in Japan, many are still living active lives which turns the focus to their health span being much longer.
Dr. Mahdavi told The Brandon Gonez Show that a gene called FOXO3 is a factor contributing to Japan’s longevity. FOXO3 is a gene and protein that acts as a leading regulator for cell stress and healthy aging.
“So we all have this gene, but a certain version of this gene seems to be very common in people whose ancestries are from Japan,” said Dr. Mahdavi.
She also attributes healthy lifestyles that are a part of the societal normalcy in Japan. Factors such as long commute times, sedentary lifestyles and eating a lot of fried unhealthy foods, may not be as common in Japan like it is in North America.
According to Dr. Mahdavi, portion control is something that is ingrained in Japanese culture, but also is having a well-balanced meal and overall diet.
“Reduced calorie intake is probably one of the only and consistent ways that we have not only in humans but also in animal studies demonstrating to be one of the most important nutritional factors in promoting longevity,” she said.
In the past, the leading cause of death in Japan was from a stroke linked to high sodium intake. Health concerns like high blood pressure, stroke, gastric cancer and cardiovascular disease were also an issue in the country that they have since gotten under control.
“And of course, we can’t discount having modern medicine to treat, diagnose, and you know intervene where there are issues, and we require that modern medicine to help us live longer,” said Dr. Mahdavi.
According to Statistics Canada, as of July 2026, there are 12,505 centenarians in the country.
For people living in North America, Dr. Mahdavi shares that there are healthy patterns we can learn from the Japanese, not only eating habits, but also having a strong sense of social connection which she says the “sociological cultural perspective in Japan is very strong.”
Having a sense of purpose and belonging is not only beneficial for your mental well-being, but also contributes to longevity.
“We are seeing that that sense of connection, being with friends and family, having things to look forward to, things to do, quite literally keeps us alive, keeps us healthy, keeps us mentally sharp, and physically engaged,” Dr. Mahdavi shares.
Japan’s remarkable rate of healthy aging is a beautiful achievement—one that deserves to be celebrated not just within the nation, but worldwide.
