Keiko Akiyama was born before the invention of the Band-Aid, traffic lights, water skis, bubblegum, penicillin, electric blenders, the vacuum cleaner and the television.
She was born in the same year as Prince Philip, past US First Lady Nancy Reagan, aviator and astronaut John Glenn, famous boxer Sugar Ray Robinson, and actress Jane Russel.
She has outlived them all. Two years ago, Keiko became one of Japan’s 86 510 centenarians – the number has increased for the 51st year in a row, according to media organisation NHK World. Of this number, women account for 88%.
I first got to meet Keiko through my mother-in-law, who is currently living in Japan and who started spending time with Keiko’s family. It was fascinating to meet someone who has managed not only to survive a full century, but also to enjoy good physical and mental wellbeing at such an advanced age. She doesn’t speak English, so her daughter, Shizuko, facilitated the interview.
Keiko’s secrets to longevity
Having celebrated her 101st birthday on 12 January 2022, she looks like any of the 70-year-old ladies I know. She still exercises every day, probably
