Tokyo's oldest resident, aged 114, has the honor of running with the Olympic torch in the year 2021
In the land of the rising sun, a remarkable woman named Shigeko Kagawa continues to shine as the oldest living person in Japan and one of the oldest in the world. With a life spanning over a century, Kagawa's story is a testament to the power of freedom, independence, and a playful lifestyle that has defined her journey.
At 114 years old, Kagawa's life is a reflection of the characteristics shared by many of Japan's oldest citizens, including Miyoko Hiroyasu, another centenarian who recently passed away. Both women embodied the Japanese philosophy of ikigai—a sense of purpose and joy in life—and lived independently, pursuing activities they enjoyed with zest and vigour.
Kagawa's daily routine was as engaging as it was simple. She would spend her days reading newspapers, practicing calligraphy, and participating in social daycare activities. Her diet, consisting of small portions and a history of extensive walking, contributed to her robust health. A sense of autonomy and maintaining physical activity appeared critical to her well-being.
The supportive love of family and social involvement also underpinned her life. Kagawa retired at the age of 86 but continued to live an active life, spending her days in a nursing home reading newspapers, sketching, and playing card games.
Kagawa's achievements are numerous. At 109, she became one of the oldest torchbearers in Olympic history. Before her retirement, she served at a hospital in Osaka during World War II, graduated from medical school, and ran her family's clinic as an obstetrician and gynecologist.
As of September 1, 2024, 36 million people (29% of Japan's population) were aged 65 or older, a testament to the growing elderly population in the country. With 95,119 centenarians across Japan, the nation continues to lead the world in the proportion of seniors.
Broad research on centenarians supports these findings, highlighting that many live long lives due to active social lives with many friends and strong family ties, high self-esteem, and an extroverted personality. These traits align well with Kagawa's lifestyle, indicating that psychological and social factors are as vital as biological ones in achieving exceptional longevity.
In the face of adversity, Kagawa's spirit remains unbroken. Her story serves as an inspiration to us all, a testament to the power of freedom, independence, and a playful lifestyle in the pursuit of a long and fulfilling life.
Shigeko Kagawa, a centenarian with a robust mental health, continues to embody the health-and-wellness principles that remain crucial for aging women, given her remarkable longevity and independence. Her passion for science, particularly in her career as an obstetrician and gynecologist, further solidifies this notion, linking her accomplishments to the importance of mental health in women's health.
Kagawa's story underscores the significance of a joyful lifestyle in maintaining physical health and mental well-being during the aging process, a concept rooted in Japanese health-and-wellness philosophy and supported by research on centenarians worldwide.
