TOKYO - Women over the age of 50 in Japan are now spending an average of 138,569 yen a year on maintaining their health, reflecting a growing societal shift from treatment to prevention. This figure, revealed in a recent consumer spending analysis, highlights how personal investment in wellness is becoming a lifestyle priority for many.
A breakdown of the annual spending shows more than 40,000 yen going toward fitness gyms, over 20,000 yen on supplements and medications, and additional amounts on massage, chiropractic services, and bathing goods. The overall trend indicates that instead of waiting to treat illness, many are choosing to spend proactively to stay healthy.
This shift is supported by survey findings showing that approximately 90% of respondents want to remain mobile on their own feet for life, and 81% do not wish to develop dementia. However, only 8.7% said they want to live a long life in general. The implication is clear: longevity itself is no longer a goal unless it comes with good health—an idea driving more people toward lifestyle-based solutions.
One notable trend is the rise of low-cost, beginner-friendly fitness gyms such as ChocoZAP, which now has nearly 2,000 locations across the country. One in ten people has reportedly joined, many of whom are first-time gym-goers. Among these health-conscious individuals, there is growing attention on breathing techniques as a form of exercise and wellness.
Breathing, it turns out, is being reframed as a form of physical training. Ulbe, a former synchronized swimmer and health advocate, emphasizes that correct breathing can benefit both mind and body. She teaches a method that uses the full range of the respiratory system—from just above the collarbone to the lower chest—and engages the inner muscles between the ribs to expand and contract the ribcage deliberately.
Ulbe instructs participants to place their hands on their ribcage, inhale through the nose for four counts, hold for two counts, then exhale through the mouth for eight counts. The technique, she explains, not only improves oxygen intake but warms the body, stimulates the digestive system, and even enhances mental clarity. It can be done while standing, commuting, or working at a desk.
Such breathing practices are gaining traction not only as part of physical health routines but also as mental training. Practitioners report better emotional control and improved concentration through regular nasal breathing exercises. With these methods available at no cost, they offer an accessible and sustainable way to improve well-being—something increasingly valued by Japan’s aging population.
Source: TBS
