Japan has once again broken its own record for longevity. The country now boasts nearly 100,000 people aged 100 or older, according to figures released by the health ministry a milestone that reflects both the nation’s extraordinary life expectancy and its rapidly ageing society.

A 55-Year Streak of Record-Breaking Longevity

As of September, Japan counted 99,763 centenarians, the health ministry said on Friday. This marks the 55th consecutive year that the number has risen. Of these, an overwhelming 88% are women, highlighting a continuing trend of female longevity in Japan.

The country has long been known for producing some of the world’s oldest people, though researchers note that centenarian data can sometimes be difficult to verify globally. Nevertheless, Japan consistently ranks among the nations with the highest life expectancy.

Meet Japan’s Oldest Citizens

Leading this group is Shigeko Kagawa, a 114-year-old woman from Yamatokoriyama in Nara Prefecture, officially recognised as Japan’s oldest person. The oldest man, Kiyotaka Mizuno, is 111 and lives in Iwata, a coastal city.

Japan’s health minister, Takamaro Fukoka, offered congratulations to the country’s 87,784 female and 11,979 male centenarians, expressing “gratitude for their many years of contributions to the development of society.”

Elderly Day: A Celebration of Longevity

The announcement comes just before Elderly Day, observed every 15 September as a national holiday. Each year, new centenarians receive a congratulatory letter and a silver cup from the prime minister. In 2025, 52,310 individuals were eligible for this honor, a number that underscores how quickly Japan’s oldest demographic is growing.

From Just 153 to Nearly 100,000

Japan’s centenarian story is one of remarkable change. When the government first began tracking centenarians in 1963, there were just 153 people aged 100 or older in the country. By 1981, the figure crossed 1,000, and by 1998 it had surged to 10,000.

This dramatic increase is attributed to several public health successes, including better medical care and improved awareness about healthy living.

Why the Japanese Live So Long

Experts say Japan’s longevity is largely due to low rates of heart disease and certain cancers, particularly breast and prostate cancer. The country’s famously healthy diet plays a central role — it is low in red meat and high in fish, rice, vegetables, and fermented foods, all of which contribute to lower obesity rates.

Public health campaigns have also been effective. When sugar and salt consumption increased in much of the world, Japan took the opposite approach, with government initiatives urging citizens to cut down on salt, successfully reducing related health issues.

But diet is only part of the equation. Japanese people tend to stay physically active well into old age, walking more, using public transport, and taking part in simple exercise routines. Radio Taiso, a three-minute group exercise broadcast since 1928, remains a daily ritual for many, keeping communities connected and bodies moving.

Controversies and Challenges in Counting Centenarians

Despite these positive numbers, there have been past controversies about centenarian data. A 2010 government audit uncovered more than 230,000 people listed as 100 or older who were actually unaccounted for — many had died decades earlier.

This miscount was blamed on outdated record-keeping and, in some cases, suspicions that families failed to report deaths to continue receiving pension benefits. The scandal came to light after authorities discovered that Sogen Koto, believed to be Tokyo’s oldest man at 111, had in fact died 32 years prior, with his remains found in his family home.

An Ageing Nation’s Future

While Japan celebrates its centenarians, the figures also underscore a looming demographic challenge: a rapidly ageing population and declining birth rate. This combination is reshaping everything from the workforce to social security systems.

Still, the rise in centenarians is seen as a testament to Japan’s focus on public health, nutrition, and active living, and serves as inspiration for nations worldwide looking to boost life expectancy in healthy ways.

If you are in Delhi-NCR and have recently been coughing, sneezing, or running a fever, you are not alone. A recent LocalCircles survey shows that 69 per cent of households in the region currently have one or more members experiencing Covid, flu, or viral fever-like symptoms.

The report, titled “Viral illnesses soar in Delhi NCR as 69% households surveyed confirm one or more members experiencing symptoms,” highlights a sharp increase from 54 per cent in March 2025 to 69 per cent now. Here’s a closer look at the H3N2 virus, its symptoms, and the precautions you should take.

What Is the H3N2 Virus?

The virus spreads rapidly through droplets from coughing, sneezing, or even talking. It can also spread when a person touches contaminated surfaces and then touches their face. H3N2 can be particularly dangerous for young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that in these groups, H3N2 can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and hospitalization.

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Symptoms of H3N2 Virus to Watch ForAccording to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), H3N2 has been the predominant strain causing the recent surge in flu cases across India. Data from hospital admissions for Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) indicates that 50% of these patients tested positive for H3N2.

Common symptoms include:

• Sudden high fever (often above 38–39°C) with chills
• Persistent cough and sore throat
• Severe fatigue, weakness, and body aches
• Headache and nasal congestion
• In children: nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

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Precautions Against H3N2 Virus

• Wash hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Wear masks in crowded or poorly ventilated areas
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing; dispose of tissues immediately
• Avoid close contact with sick individuals; isolate infected household members if possible
• Keep living spaces well-ventilated
• Maintain good nutrition, hydration, and adequate rest
• Consider the seasonal influenza vaccine, which often protects against H3N2 strains—especially important for children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses

H3N2 in the United States

The WHO continues to stress that vaccination is the most effective way to prevent influenza, particularly for high-risk groups and their caregivers.

Recently weight loss medication has gained a lot of popularity. Many people are getting these medicines prescribed in order to lose weight; however, it is not as straightforward of a process as we think it is. There are various aspects of it you should know about before you start taking the medication. One of which is that one needs to take it consistently even after they lose weight because they may gain weight back. How effective the medicine is on you also matters.

Whenever it comes to new medication that can majorly alter a person’s lifestyle physique as well as how their body functions, like Ozempic, one has to be very careful with the doses.

While too much of it can trigger health issues, less of it may not give you the desired effect. So, what should a person do when they are not seeing the results they want? A new study shows that a higher dosage than what we currently have approved, could actually help with better weight loss in obese adults.

An international study has found that a higher weekly dose of the drug semaglutide (7.2 mg) is safe and more effective for weight loss than the currently approved dose (2.4 mg). The findings, published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, suggest that this higher dose could be a new and powerful option for adults living with obesity, including those who also have type 2 diabetes.

How Much Semaglutide Dosage Helped People Lose Weight?

In adults who do not have diabetes, a 7.2 mg weekly dose of semaglutide led to a significant average weight loss of almost 19%. This is a notable improvement over the 16% weight loss seen with the standard 2.4 mg dose and a 4% loss in the placebo group (who received a dummy treatment).

Almost half of the participants on the higher dose lost 20% or more of their body weight, with about one-third losing at least 25%. These participants also saw improvements in their waist circumference, blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels, which are all important for reducing health risks related to obesity.

For adults with obesity and type 2 diabetes, the 7.2 mg dose also showed better results. These individuals experienced an average weight loss of 13%, compared to 10% with the 2.4 mg dose and 3.9% with the placebo. The higher dose also led to significant reductions in blood sugar levels and waist size.

Is It Safe To Take More Semaglutide?

The study found that the higher dose of semaglutide was safe and well-tolerated overall. The most common side effects were gastrointestinal issues, like nausea and diarrhea, and some tingling sensations. However, most of these side effects were manageable, resolved on their own over time, and did not cause people to drop out of the trial. The researchers did not find any increase in serious health problems or severe drops in blood sugar (hypoglycemia) with the higher dose.

Researchers believe this higher dose could help more people achieve their health goals and reduce the worldwide burden of obesity. They also noted that more research is needed to fully understand the long-term benefits and risks.

Lymphoma is a form of blood cancer that starts in the lymphatic system, an essential part of the body’s immune defense. It develops when lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, begin to grow and multiply in an abnormal way. The condition is broadly classified into two types, Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, each with its own features and treatment methods, as per the American Oncology Institute. With cases becoming increasingly common, here are some of the early warning signs of lymphoma you should be aware of.

What Is World Lymphoma Awareness Day?

According to Netmeds, the theme for World Lymphoma Awareness Day 2025 is ‘Honest Talk.’ This year’s message highlights the need for open and transparent conversations between patients, caregivers, families, and healthcare professionals.

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5 Early Warning Signs of Lymphoma

1. Swollen Lymph Nodes

2. Unexplained Weight Loss

3. Persistent Fatigue

4. Itching or Skin Changes

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5. Night Sweats

Spotting these signs early gives you the chance to seek medical help before lymphoma advances, when treatment is most effective. If you notice any of these symptoms lasting longer than two weeks, make an appointment with your doctor. An early check-up will ensure you get the right evaluation and tests without any delay.