Reaching the century mark remains a relative rarity for humans, but it is increasingly less so, and perhaps nowhere more than in rapidly aging Japan.
The number of Japanese who are at least 100 years old, known as centenarians, has reached 58,820, according to the latest government estimate, released every September to mark Respect-for-the-Aged Day, a national holiday that falls on Monday.
A Japanese woman is the oldest person in the world, 116-year-old Misao Okawa, according to Guinness World Records.
I – Word Understanding
rarity – not common or usual
centenarian – a person who is 100 years old or more
II – Have Your Say
1. Secrets of centenarians;
* happiness
* healthy lifestyle
* genes
* healthy
* family and friends
2. As technology improves, the possibility of living beyond is 150 years is fairly strong. is it really good especially for the society in general? Here are some arguments:
* Marriage and family – multiple marriages becoming a norm
* Workplace – people work longer, companies w dominated by the same executives and fierce competition
* Nations – commit its resources less to the young and more to accommodate the old
