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Japan: New Ways to Grow Old - Part One

In Japan, the fastest-ageing society in the world, we explore surprising and innovative ideas for living better in old age.

Japan has the fastest ageing society in the world with more than a quarter of its population over the age of 65. It currently has 66,000 centenarians, more than any other country. Toshiko Katayose and Aki Maruyama Leggett explore some of the innovative ways in which Japanese people are adapting to living longer.

For over 20 years Toshiko Katayose edited Japan鈥檚 most popular magazine for senior readers. Now 67 and facing retirement, she reveals how her generation of baby-boomers born after World War Two, are overturning stereotypes about old age and how businesses are responding to these more demanding silver consumers. She visits Japan鈥檚 first supermarket built specifically to serve older shoppers which offers everything from crystal-studded walking sticks to try-before-you-buy coffin experiences.

Producer: Mukti Jain Campion

(Photo: A cornucopia of stylish walking sticks at Japan鈥檚 first supermarket for older consumers. Credit: Mukti Jain Campion)

Available now

27 minutes

Last on

Mon 26 Feb 2018 06:06GMT

Broadcasts

  • Tue 20 Feb 2018 13:32GMT
  • Tue 20 Feb 2018 20:06GMT
  • Tue 20 Feb 2018 21:06GMT
  • Wed 21 Feb 2018 02:32GMT
  • Sat 24 Feb 2018 18:32GMT
  • Mon 26 Feb 2018 06:06GMT