Reference; https://mbp-japan.com/jijico/articles/32367/
Modified and translated by CFJA
Are Millennials and Gen Z 20 years younger in physical fitness compared to Baby Boomers and Gen X?
How Many Years Until Retirement After 50? A Generational Perspective
Once people pass 50, they start thinking about how many years remain until retirement. For a long time, public servants and corporate employees in Japan had a mandatory retirement age of 60, which made retirement at 60 synonymous with the end of one’s life.
In fact, in the late Showa era (1945–1975), many people passed away at 62–63, shortly after retirement. For example, in the 1955–1965 period (Showa 30s), the average life expectancy was 63.60 years for men and 67.75 years for women. However, immediately after World War II, in 1947 (Showa 22), the average life expectancy was just 50.06 for men and 53.96 for women. As food supplies stabilized, lifespans significantly increased, and people at the time felt they were living much longer.
Comparing those times with today, modern people in the Reiwa era (2019–present) feel physically about 20 years younger than their predecessors. Based on various data and firsthand observations from medical practice, the following generational shift can be seen:
| Showa Era (Boomers & Gen X) | Reiwa Era (Gen Y & Gen Z) |
| 20s | Early 20s |
| 30s | Late 20s |
| 40s | Early 30s |
| 50s | Late 30s |
| 60s | Early 40s |
| 70s | Early 50s |
| 80s | Early 60s |
| 90s | Early 70s |
| 100s | Early 80s |
| 110s | Early 90s |
| 120s | Early 100s |
According to Japan’s 1955 National Census (Showa 30), there were only 158 people aged 100 or older in the country. However, as of September 15, 2024 (Reiwa 5), the number of centenarians has surged to 95,119. This is an astonishing growth rate.
Today, people who are 65 years old have already surpassed the average life expectancy at birth from when they were born. In the past, this would have been considered an advanced age, yet they are still physically active. Compared to previous generations, their physical condition is likely equivalent to that of someone in their early 40s back then.
No one can pinpoint a single reason why human longevity has increased so dramatically. Many factors contribute to this phenomenon, but in Japan, we believe three key developments have played a significant role:
1. The invention of the rice cooker
2. The expansion of logistics networks
3. The emergence of convenience stores and 24-hour businesses
In other words, easy access to food at any time has been a major factor in increasing longevity. This is especially true for younger generations, who tend to have strong appetites. It is possible that the ability to develop a solid and well-nourished body by their 30s has contributed to longer life expectancy.
People in their 20s and 30s may believe that their physical strength will last forever, which reflects just how much human health has improved over the decades.
Is It Essential for People in Their 50s to Exercise More?
From our perspective, people in their 50s today are equivalent to those in their late 30s in the past. This is not an age to slow down or feel old. With average life expectancy surpassing 80 years for both men and women and the possibility of living up to 120 years, it is crucial to build physical strength for the next 60+ years of life.
In their 40s and 50s, many people take on more demanding responsibilities at work. As a result, longer working hours and late meals become common. A lack of exercise combined with a slower metabolism can lead to gradual weight gain. Excessive weight gain leads to obesity, which has become a global issue since World War II. In today’s world, food is available 24/7, but those who make a habit of eating after 10 PM are more likely to become overweight.
Health Risks Associated with Weight Gain
People who gain excess weight are more prone to developing:
1. High blood pressure
2. High cholesterol
3. Hyperlipidemia (high levels of fat in the blood)
4. Arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
By the time they reach their 50s, many people start paying attention to their blood test results and overall health.
How to Combat Obesity and Maintain Health in Your 50s
For those who are overweight, walking is the first step. Try to take a 30-minute walk daily. If you already feel a decline in your physical strength, we strongly recommend regular exercise. Exercising for 60 to 90 minutes, 2 to 3 times a week, at an intensity that makes you break a sweat, can help:
• Reduce obesity
• Lower blood pressure
• Improve overall health
Building Strength to Prevent Illness
Your 50s are a crucial time to develop the physical strength needed to stay healthy and fight off diseases. Keeping an active lifestyle will help ensure a longer, healthier future.