健康寿命
健康寿命 in 30 Seconds
- Kenkō Jūmyō means 'healthy life expectancy,' focusing on years lived without disability.
- It is a key concept in Japan's aging society to measure quality of life.
- The goal is to extend this period (延ばす) to match the total lifespan more closely.
- Commonly heard in news, medical contexts, and government health policy discussions.
The term 健康寿命 (Kenkō Jūmyō) is a critical concept in modern Japanese society, referring to the 'healthy life expectancy.' Unlike the general term for lifespan, 寿命 (jūmyō), which simply measures how long a person lives from birth to death, 健康寿命 specifically measures the period during which a person can live independently and in good health, without being limited by significant physical or mental disabilities. In a country like Japan, which boasts one of the highest life expectancies in the world, the focus has shifted from merely living longer to living better. This distinction is vital because the gap between total life expectancy and healthy life expectancy represents the years a person might spend requiring nursing care or living with restricted activities.
- Societal Context
- Japan is a 'super-aging' society (超高齢社会), making this word a staple in government policy, medical discussions, and daily news. It highlights the quality of life (QOL) rather than just the quantity of years.
日本人の健康寿命を延ばすための新しい政策が発表されました。(A new policy was announced to extend the healthy life expectancy of Japanese people.)
When you hear this word, it is often paired with the verb 延ばす (nobasu), meaning 'to extend' or 'to lengthen.' Public health campaigns frequently use the slogan '健康寿命を延ばそう' (Let's extend our healthy life expectancy). This involves promoting exercise, balanced diets, and social engagement among the elderly. The term is not just medical; it carries a sense of personal autonomy and dignity. People use it when discussing their retirement plans, health checkups, or the future of the national healthcare system.
- Statistical Importance
- The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare use this metric to evaluate the effectiveness of health interventions. A narrowing gap between lifespan and healthy lifespan is the ultimate goal of geriatric medicine.
平均寿命と健康寿命の差を縮めることが、現在の医療の大きな課題です。(Closing the gap between average life expectancy and healthy life expectancy is a major challenge in modern medicine.)
In conversation, you might use it when talking about your grandparents or your own long-term health goals. It is a more sophisticated and precise way to talk about aging than simply saying 'living a long time.' It implies a life full of vitality, where one can still enjoy hobbies, travel, and spend time with family without being bedridden (寝たきり). The word encapsulates the Japanese ideal of 'active aging' and the collective desire to remain productive and happy members of society for as long as possible.
- Usage in Media
- You will see this word in headlines regarding 'National Health Promotion' (国民健康づくり) and in advertisements for supplements or fitness clubs targeting the 'silver' generation.
Using 健康寿命 correctly requires understanding its role as a formal compound noun. It is most frequently used as the subject or object of a sentence, often followed by particles like は (wa), を (o), or が (ga). Because it is a statistical and conceptual term, it rarely appears in highly casual slang, but it is very common in polite (Desu/Masu) and formal (Keigo) speech, especially when discussing lifestyle choices.
適度な運動は、健康寿命を維持するために不可欠です。(Moderate exercise is essential for maintaining a healthy life expectancy.)
One of the most common grammatical patterns is [Noun] + は + 健康寿命 + を + 延ばす (Something extends healthy life expectancy). Conversely, to talk about factors that decrease it, you would use 縮める (chidimeru). You might also see it used with 注目する (chūmoku suru) to say people are 'paying attention to' or 'focusing on' this metric. For example, '世界中で健康寿命が注目されています' (Healthy life expectancy is gaining attention worldwide).
- Common Verb Pairings
- 延ばす (Nobasu): To extend
- 維持する (Iji suru): To maintain
- 測定する (Sokutei suru): To measure
- 重視する (Jūshi suru): To prioritize
When describing a person's state, you don't usually say 'I have a long healthy life expectancy' in a personal sense like an attribute you own today. Instead, you talk about it as a goal or a statistical reality for a group. However, in a medical consultation, a doctor might say, '健康寿命を長く保ちましょう' (Let's keep your healthy life expectancy long). The word functions as a target to be achieved through healthy habits like 食生活の改善 (shokuseikatsu no kaizen) – improving dietary habits.
女性のほうが男性よりも健康寿命が長い傾向にあります。(Women tend to have a longer healthy life expectancy than men.)
In academic or journalistic writing, you will see it in the context of 社会保障 (shakai hoshō) – social security. Here, the focus is on how extending healthy life expectancy can reduce the burden on 介護保険 (kaigo hoken) – nursing care insurance. Sentences like '健康寿命の延伸は、医療費の抑制につながる' (Extending healthy life expectancy leads to the suppression of medical costs) are very common in economic reports. Even though the vocabulary is technical, the meaning remains grounded in the simple desire for a vibrant old age.
If you live in Japan or consume Japanese media, you will encounter 健康寿命 in several specific environments. The most common is the evening news or morning 'wide shows' (talk shows). Whenever a new study about green tea, natto, or walking is released, the commentators will inevitably discuss how these habits impact your 健康寿命. It is the gold standard for measuring the 'success' of a lifestyle choice in the eyes of the Japanese public.
テレビ番組で「健康寿命を10年延ばす秘訣」という特集が組まれていた。(A TV program aired a special feature called 'Secrets to Extending Healthy Life Expectancy by 10 Years.')
Another place you'll see this word is at the local 役所 (yakusho) – city hall or community centers. Local governments in Japan are very proactive about health. You might find flyers for 'Kenkō Jūmyō Workshops' or exercise classes for seniors. These programs are designed to keep the elderly active and out of nursing homes, so the word appears prominently on posters, often next to illustrations of happy, active seniors hiking or doing radio calisthenics (ラジオ体操).
- Common Locations
- Hospitals & Clinics: In brochures about preventative medicine (予防医学).
- Gyms & Fitness Clubs: In marketing materials aimed at the 'active senior' demographic.
- Insurance Companies: When discussing 'life planning' and long-term care insurance.
- Supermarkets: On labels of functional foods (機能性表示食品) that claim to support joint health or cognitive function.
You may also hear it in political speeches. Politicians often use the term when discussing the 少子高齢化 (shōshi kōreika) – the declining birthrate and aging population. They argue that by increasing the 健康寿命, the elderly can continue to contribute to the workforce or volunteer, thereby mitigating the economic impact of a shrinking labor pool. In this context, the word takes on a nuance of 'social responsibility' and 'economic sustainability.'
政府は、2040年までに健康寿命を3年以上延伸することを目指しています。(The government aims to extend healthy life expectancy by more than three years by 2040.)
Finally, in more personal settings, you might hear it during a お盆 (Obon) or 正月 (Shōgatsu) family gathering. Younger family members might encourage their parents to take up a hobby or walk more, saying, 'お父さん、健康寿命を延ばさないとね' (Dad, you have to extend your healthy life expectancy, you know). It's a polite, health-conscious way to express concern for a loved one's future well-being.
The most frequent mistake learners make with 健康寿命 is confusing it with 平均寿命 (Heikin Jūmyō), which means 'average life expectancy.' While they are related, they are fundamentally different metrics. 平均寿命 is the total number of years a person is expected to live. 健康寿命 is the number of years they are expected to live without needing daily assistance. If you say 'Japan's healthy life expectancy is 84 years,' you are likely confusing it with the average lifespan, as the healthy life expectancy is typically about 10 years shorter (around 72-75 years).
- Mistake: Confusing Terms
Wrong: 私の健康寿命は100歳です。(My healthy life expectancy is 100 years old.)
Why: This sounds like a fixed prediction of your death or health status. It is better to use it as a goal or a general trend.
Better: 健康寿命を100歳まで延ばしたいです。(I want to extend my healthy life expectancy to 100.)
× 「健康寿命が死にました」 (The healthy life expectancy died.)
○ 「健康寿命が尽きました」 (The healthy life expectancy was exhausted/ended.)
Another common error involves the choice of verbs. Since 健康寿命 is a 'span' or 'duration,' you cannot 'do' it (健康寿命をする is incorrect). You also shouldn't use verbs like 'growing' (育つ) or 'increasing' (増える) in the way you would for a population. The standard verb is 延びる (nobiru - to lengthen/extend) for the intransitive sense (the span itself gets longer) and 延ばす (nobasu - to extend/lengthen) for the transitive sense (you or an action makes the span longer).
Pronunciation is usually straightforward, but ensure you don't shorten the long vowels. It is Jūmyō (じゅうみょう), not Jumyo. The 'ū' and 'ō' are held for two beats each. Mispronouncing this can make the word unrecognizable in a professional or medical setting where precision is expected. Also, be careful not to use this word in a joking or insensitive way with someone who is currently struggling with a chronic illness. While it is a positive goal for society, discussing the 'end' of someone's healthy life expectancy to their face can be seen as blunt or lacking in 思いやり (omoiyari) – empathy.
- Register Errors
- Using this word in a very casual setting with young friends might feel a bit too 'heavy' or 'serious.' It is better suited for discussions about health, future planning, or social issues. If you want to say 'I want to stay healthy,' just say 'ずっと元気でいたい' (I want to stay energetic/healthy forever).
While 健康寿命 is a very specific term, there are several related words that you might use depending on the context. Understanding these nuances will help you sound more natural and precise in Japanese. The most direct relative is 平均寿命 (Heikin Jūmyō), which we've discussed as the total lifespan. In many discussions, these two are compared to show the 'unhealthy period' (不健康な期間).
- Comparison: 健康寿命 vs. QOL
健康寿命: Focuses on the length of time one is healthy and independent. It is a quantitative measure.
QOL (Quality of Life): Focuses on the satisfaction and richness of life, regardless of physical health. A person might have a high QOL even if their healthy life expectancy has technically passed.
単に長く生きるだけでなく、QOLを高めることも重要です。(It is important not just to live long, but also to improve one's Quality of Life.)
Another alternative is 元気に長生きする (Genki ni nagaiki suru). This is a more colloquial and warm way to say 'to live a long, healthy life.' While '健康寿命を延ばす' sounds like a policy goal, '元気に長生きしてね' sounds like a heartfelt wish for a grandparent. If you are writing a birthday card, use the latter. If you are writing a report on healthcare, use the former.
- Other Related Terms
- 自立期間 (Jiritsu kikan): The period of independence. This is almost synonymous with healthy life expectancy but focuses on the ability to perform daily tasks.
- 生存期間 (Seizon kikan): Survival period. This is a very clinical term often used in cancer research or end-of-life care.
- ウェルビーイング (Well-being): A loanword gaining popularity that encompasses physical, mental, and social health.
In some technical contexts, you might encounter HALE (Health-Adjusted Life Expectancy), which is the English acronym often used in international health reports. In Japanese, this is translated directly as 健康調整平均寿命, but in common parlance, 健康寿命 is the standard. Finally, when talking about the end of life, the term 終末期 (Shūmatsuki) refers to the terminal phase, which is the period after the healthy life expectancy has concluded and the focus shifts to palliative care.
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The term was popularized globally by the WHO in 2000 as 'Health-Adjusted Life Expectancy' (HALE).
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing 'Jūmyō' as 'Jumyo' (shortening the vowels).
- Swapping the sounds to 'Kenkō Myōjū'.
- Nasalizing the 'n' in 'ken' too much like a French 'en'.
- Over-stressing the first syllable.
- Confusing the pitch accent with 'Kenkō' as a standalone word.
Difficulty Rating
Kanji are common but the compound is long.
Requires correctly writing 4 relatively complex Kanji.
Pronunciation is logical and consistent.
Clear phonetic structure makes it easy to pick out.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Noun + を + Verb (Transitive)
健康寿命を延ばす (Extend healthy life expectancy)
Noun + が + Verb (Intransitive)
健康寿命が延びる (Healthy life expectancy extends)
Noun + の + Noun
健康寿命の延伸 (Extension of healthy life expectancy)
A より B のほうが ~
平均寿命より健康寿命のほうが大切だ (Healthy life expectancy is more important than average lifespan)
Verb (Potential) + 期間
健康に過ごせる期間 (The period during which one can live healthily)
Examples by Level
健康寿命は大切です。
Healthy life expectancy is important.
Simple A は B です structure.
健康寿命を延ばしたいです。
I want to extend my healthy life expectancy.
Using the ~tai form for desire.
毎日の運動は健康寿命にいいです。
Daily exercise is good for healthy life expectancy.
Using ~ni ii (good for).
日本の健康寿命は長いです。
Japan's healthy life expectancy is long.
Adjective nagai (long) modifying the noun.
健康寿命を知っていますか?
Do you know (what) healthy life expectancy (is)?
Standard question form.
おじいちゃんは健康寿命が長いです。
My grandfather has a long healthy life expectancy.
Topic wa + subject ga structure.
野菜を食べて、健康寿命を延ばしましょう。
Let's eat vegetables and extend our healthy life expectancy.
Using ~mashou for a suggestion.
健康寿命は、元気な時間のことです。
Healthy life expectancy is about the time you are energetic.
Explaining a concept using ~no koto.
健康寿命を延ばすために、歩いています。
I am walking in order to extend my healthy life expectancy.
Using ~tame ni to show purpose.
平均寿命より、健康寿命のほうが気になります。
I am more concerned about healthy life expectancy than average lifespan.
Using the comparison pattern ~yori ~no hou ga.
テレビで健康寿命のニュースを見ました。
I saw news about healthy life expectancy on TV.
Using the object marker 'no' to link nouns.
健康寿命を長く保つことが目標です。
Keeping healthy life expectancy long is my goal.
Using ~koto to nominalize the verb phrase.
最近、健康寿命という言葉をよく聞きます。
Lately, I often hear the word 'healthy life expectancy'.
Using ~to iu to define a term.
健康寿命が短いと、介護が必要です。
If healthy life expectancy is short, nursing care is necessary.
Using the conditional ~to (if/when).
自治体は健康寿命を延ばすイベントを開いています。
Local governments are holding events to extend healthy life expectancy.
Present continuous tense ~te imasu.
健康寿命は、生活の質に関係があります。
Healthy life expectancy is related to the quality of life.
Using ~ni kankei ga aru (be related to).
健康寿命を延ばすことは、社会全体の課題です。
Extending healthy life expectancy is a challenge for society as a whole.
Nominalized phrase as the subject.
日本は世界で最も健康寿命が長い国の一つです。
Japan is one of the countries with the longest healthy life expectancy in the world.
Superlative construction 'motto mo... no hitotsu'.
健康寿命と平均寿命の差をどうやって縮めるべきでしょうか。
How should we shorten the gap between healthy life expectancy and average lifespan?
Using ~beki deshou ka to ask for an opinion.
食生活を改善すれば、健康寿命に良い影響を与えます。
If you improve your diet, it will have a positive impact on your healthy life expectancy.
Conditional ~ba for cause and effect.
このサプリメントは、健康寿命をサポートすると謳っています。
This supplement claims to support healthy life expectancy.
Using ~to utatte iru (to claim/advertise).
健康寿命の延伸は、医療費の削減につながります。
Extending healthy life expectancy leads to a reduction in medical costs.
Using ~ni tsunagaru (to lead to).
定年後も働き続けることが、健康寿命を延ばす秘訣かもしれません。
Continuing to work after retirement might be the secret to extending healthy life expectancy.
Using ~kamoshiremasen for possibility.
多くの専門家が、健康寿命の重要性を指摘しています。
Many experts are pointing out the importance of healthy life expectancy.
Using ~wo shiteki suru (to point out).
健康寿命の算出には、客観的なデータと主観的な回答の両方が用いられます。
Both objective data and subjective responses are used to calculate healthy life expectancy.
Passive voice 'mochiirareru'.
政府は健康寿命を2040年までに3年以上延ばす目標を掲げています。
The government has set a goal to extend healthy life expectancy by more than three years by 2040.
Using ~wo kakageru (to set/hold up a goal).
不健康な期間、つまり平均寿命と健康寿命の差は、現在約10年あります。
The unhealthy period, namely the gap between average lifespan and healthy life expectancy, is currently about 10 years.
Using 'tsumari' for clarification.
地域社会とのつながりが強いほど、健康寿命が長いという研究結果があります。
There are research results showing that the stronger the connection with the local community, the longer the healthy life expectancy.
Using the ~hodo construction (the more... the more).
予防医学の普及が、健康寿命の延伸に大きく寄与すると期待されています。
The spread of preventative medicine is expected to contribute significantly to the extension of healthy life expectancy.
Using ~ni kiyo suru (to contribute to).
健康寿命を意識した都市開発が進められています。
Urban development that takes healthy life expectancy into account is being promoted.
Using ~wo ishiki shita (conscious of).
フレイル(虚弱)を予防することは、健康寿命を維持する上で極めて重要です。
Preventing frailty is extremely important in maintaining healthy life expectancy.
Using ~ue de (in the process of/when doing).
健康寿命は、単なる生存期間ではなく、生命の質を反映する指標です。
Healthy life expectancy is an indicator that reflects the quality of life, not just the duration of survival.
Using ~dewa naku (not A, but B).
健康寿命の格差は、社会経済的な要因に深く根ざしています。
Disparities in healthy life expectancy are deeply rooted in socio-economic factors.
Using ~ni nezasu (to be rooted in).
人口構造の変化に伴い、健康寿命の延伸は国家的な最優先事項となりました。
With changes in the population structure, the extension of healthy life expectancy has become a top national priority.
Using ~ni tomonai (along with/consequently).
健康寿命を阻害する要因として、生活習慣病の増加が懸念されています。
The increase in lifestyle-related diseases is a concern as a factor that hinders healthy life expectancy.
Using ~wo sogai suru (to hinder/inhibit).
デジタル技術の活用が、個人の健康管理と健康寿命の向上に寄与するでしょう。
The utilization of digital technology will likely contribute to individual health management and the improvement of healthy life expectancy.
Using ~ni kiyo suru (to contribute to) with future probability.
健康寿命という指標は、公衆衛生の成果を評価する上で欠かせないものとなっています。
The metric of healthy life expectancy has become indispensable in evaluating the achievements of public health.
Using ~ni kakasenai (indispensable).
就労形態の多様化が健康寿命に与える影響について、詳細な調査が必要です。
A detailed survey is needed on the impact of diversifying employment patterns on healthy life expectancy.
Complex noun phrase as the object of 'need'.
健康寿命の延伸を目指す政策は、個人の自己責任論に帰結してはなりません。
Policies aimed at extending healthy life expectancy must not result in a theory of individual self-responsibility.
Using ~ni kiketsu suru (to result in/conclude in).
高齢者の社会的孤立は、健康寿命を著しく損なうリスク要因です。
Social isolation among the elderly is a risk factor that significantly impairs healthy life expectancy.
Using ~wo sokunau (to damage/impair).
健康寿命の延伸と介護負担の軽減は、表裏一体の関係にあります。
The extension of healthy life expectancy and the reduction of the nursing care burden are two sides of the same coin.
Using the idiom 'hyouri ittai' (two sides of the same coin).
健康寿命の国際比較を行う際には、データの定義や収集方法の差異に留意すべきです。
When making international comparisons of healthy life expectancy, one should pay attention to differences in data definitions and collection methods.
Using ~ni ryūi subeki (should pay attention to).
バイオテクノロジーの進展は、健康寿命の概念そのものを根本から覆す可能性があります。
Advances in biotechnology have the potential to fundamentally overturn the very concept of healthy life expectancy.
Using ~wo kutsugaesu (to overturn).
健康寿命の延伸が、必ずしも幸福度の向上に直結するわけではないという議論もあります。
There is also an argument that the extension of healthy life expectancy does not necessarily lead directly to an increase in happiness.
Using 'chikuketsu suru wake dewa nai' (not necessarily directly linked).
都市構造のあり方が、住民の歩行習慣を通じて健康寿命に長期的影響を及ぼします。
The nature of urban structure exerts a long-term influence on healthy life expectancy through the walking habits of residents.
Using ~ni eikyou wo oyobosu (to exert influence).
健康寿命の延伸を阻む社会的障壁を排除することが、真の健康格差是正につながります。
Eliminating social barriers that hinder the extension of healthy life expectancy will lead to the true correction of health disparities.
Using ~wo haijo suru (to eliminate).
生涯現役社会の実現には、健康寿命の延伸が不可欠な前提条件となります。
The extension of healthy life expectancy is an indispensable prerequisite for realizing a society where people remain active for life.
Using 'fukaketsu na zentei jouken' (indispensable prerequisite).
健康寿命の延伸に向けた多角的なアプローチが、次世代の公衆衛生戦略の核となるでしょう。
A multifaceted approach toward extending healthy life expectancy will likely become the core of next-generation public health strategies.
Using 'takakuteki na' (multifaceted).
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— A title often sought by prefectures or cities boasting the healthiest citizens.
私たちの市は健康寿命日本一を目指しています。
— The secret to a long, healthy life.
100歳の女性が語る健康寿命の秘訣とは?
— To damage or shorten one's healthy years.
不規則な生活は健康寿命を損なう恐れがあります。
— The improvement of healthy life expectancy.
市民の健康寿命の向上に努める。
— The definition of healthy life expectancy.
健康寿命の定義は国によって異なる場合がある。
— Predicting one's healthy life span.
AIを使って健康寿命の予測を行う。
— To support or sustain healthy life expectancy.
地域のコミュニティが健康寿命を支えている。
— The current state of healthy life expectancy.
日本の健康寿命の現状を分析する。
— To think about or consider healthy life expectancy.
将来のために健康寿命を考えるセミナー。
Often Confused With
Average total lifespan, regardless of health status.
A clinical term for how long someone survives after a diagnosis.
Service life of a machine; never use this for humans.
Idioms & Expressions
— Living energetically (ping-ping) and then dying suddenly/peacefully (korori).
理想はピンピンコロリで健康寿命を全うすることだ。
Informal— Eating until only 80% full keeps the doctor away, extending healthy life.
健康寿命のために腹八分目に医者いらずを実践する。
Proverb— Wisdom comes with age; often used to praise the mental vitality of the elderly.
健康寿命が長いお年寄りは亀の甲より年の功だ。
Proverb— A sound mind in a sound body; the foundation of healthy life expectancy.
健康寿命には健全なる精神は健全なる身体に宿ることが大切だ。
Formal— In old age, obey your children; sometimes used when discussing care after healthy life ends.
健康寿命が尽きた後は、老いては子に従えの精神も必要だ。
Proverb— Perpetual youth and longevity; the ancient ideal that 健康寿命 modernizes.
不老長寿は叶わぬ夢だが、健康寿命は延ばせる。
Literary— Sickness starts in the mind; staying positive helps maintain healthy life.
健康寿命を保つには、病は気からという言葉を忘れないことだ。
Proverb— It is worth living a long time (to see good things).
健康寿命が延びて、長生きはするものであると感じる場面が増えた。
Idiomatic— When seeking shelter, look for a big tree; often used for social support systems for health.
健康寿命を支えるには、寄らば大樹の陰のような支援が必要だ。
Proverb— Having one illness makes you more careful about your health, leading to a longer life.
一病息災のおかげで、結果的に健康寿命が延びた。
ProverbEasily Confused
Both refer to length of life.
寿命 is the total time until death; 健康寿命 is the time spent healthy.
寿命は90歳だが、健康寿命は80歳だ。
Both involve health.
健康状態 is a current state; 健康寿命 is a duration of time.
今の健康状態は良いが、将来の健康寿命が心配だ。
Both refer to remaining time.
余命 is life expectancy from a specific point (often terminal); 健康寿命 is a general metric.
余命宣告を受けたが、健康寿命を大切にしたい。
Both mean living long.
長寿 is an adjective/noun for long life; 健康寿命 is the specific healthy portion.
長寿の秘訣は、健康寿命を延ばすことにある。
Both involve taking care of health.
養生 is the act of recuperating or caring for health; 健康寿命 is the result.
養生を怠ると、健康寿命が短くなる。
Sentence Patterns
健康寿命は [Adjective] です。
健康寿命は長いです。
[Activity] は健康寿命にいいです。
散歩は健康寿命にいいです。
健康寿命を延ばすために [Action] します。
健康寿命を延ばすために野菜を食べます。
健康寿命と平均寿命の差は [Number] 年です。
健康寿命と平均寿命の差は約10年です。
健康寿命の格差を是正するためには [Noun] が必要だ。
健康寿命の格差を是正するためには社会保障の充実が必要だ。
健康寿命の延伸が、[Noun] に直結するわけではない。
健康寿命の延伸が、必ずしも幸福度の向上に直結するわけではない。
[Noun] は健康寿命に大きな影響を与えます。
睡眠は健康寿命に大きな影響を与えます。
健康寿命の観点から言うと、[Sentence]。
健康寿命の観点から言うと、この習慣は良くない。
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Very high in media and government communications.
-
健康寿命を増やす
→
健康寿命を延ばす
We use 'extend' (nobasu) for time and spans, not 'increase' (fuyasu) which is for quantity.
-
私の健康寿命は短いです
→
健康寿命が短くならないように気をつけます
Saying your own healthy life expectancy is short sounds like a medical diagnosis. It's better to talk about maintaining or worrying about it.
-
健康の寿命
→
健康寿命
This is a set compound noun. Adding 'no' makes it sound unnatural.
-
寿命健康
→
健康寿命
The order is always Health + Lifespan, never the other way around.
-
健康寿命をやる
→
健康寿命を意識する / 延ばす努力をする
You cannot 'do' a lifespan. You can 'extend' it or 'be conscious' of it.
Tips
Use with 'Nobasu'
Always remember the pairing 'Kenkō Jūmyō wo nobasu'. It's the most natural way to express the goal of living healthily longer.
Aging Society Context
When you use this word, Japanese people will perceive you as someone who understands the social challenges of modern Japan.
Noun Compounds
Treat it as a single unit. Don't put particles between 'Kenkō' and 'Jūmyō'.
Contrast with Heikin Jūmyō
In presentations, use 'Heikin Jūmyō' (total life) and 'Kenkō Jūmyō' (healthy life) together to show a sophisticated vocabulary.
Long Vowels Matter
Make sure the 'uu' in Jū and 'oo' in Myō are long. Shortening them changes the rhythm of the word significantly.
Empathetic Usage
Use this word when encouraging others to take care of themselves. It sounds caring and scientifically grounded.
Kanji Practice
The Kanji for 'Ju' (寿) is often seen on celebratory gifts. Linking it to 'celebration' can help you remember it.
News Keywords
When you hear 'Kenkō Jūmyō', expect words like 'Kaigo' (care) or 'Undō' (exercise) to follow soon after.
Policy Discussions
In a JLPT N2/N1 essay, using this word correctly can boost your score by showing knowledge of social issues.
Personal Goal
Set your own 'Kenkō Jūmyō' goal in Japanese to practice using the word in a personal context.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'Ken' (a healthy guy) and 'Ko' (child/person) living a long 'Ju' (Jewel-like) 'Myo' (Meow/Life).
Visual Association
Imagine a green timeline where the first 80% is bright green (Kenkō) and the last 20% is grey.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to explain the difference between 'lifespan' and 'healthy lifespan' in Japanese to a friend.
Word Origin
A modern compound created by combining the existing words '健康' (health) and '寿命' (lifespan). It gained prominence in the late 20th century.
Original meaning: The portion of life spent in a state of health.
Sino-Japanese (Kango) compound.Cultural Context
Be careful when discussing this with people who have chronic disabilities; the term can imply that life with a disability is 'lesser' if not used carefully.
While English speakers use 'Quality of Life,' the specific statistical term 'Healthy Life Expectancy' is less common in casual conversation than in Japan.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Medical Checkup
- 健康寿命を延ばしましょう
- 数値が改善しました
- 生活習慣を見直しましょう
- 運動を続けてください
News Report
- 健康寿命が過去最高に
- 男女差が広がっています
- 政府が新たな目標を設定
- 自治体の取り組みを紹介
Family Talk
- 元気に長生きしてね
- 健康寿命が大事だよ
- 一緒に散歩しよう
- 無理しないでね
Gym Advertisement
- 健康寿命をサポート
- 筋トレで若々しく
- 無料体験実施中
- シニア向けコースあり
Academic Paper
- 健康寿命の定義について
- 統計的な有意差が見られる
- 相関関係を分析する
- 今後の展望を述べる
Conversation Starters
"最近、健康寿命を延ばすために何かしていますか? (Are you doing anything lately to extend your healthy life expectancy?)"
"日本の健康寿命が長い理由は何だと思いますか? (What do you think is the reason Japan's healthy life expectancy is so long?)"
"健康寿命と平均寿命、どちらが重要だと思いますか? (Which do you think is more important: healthy life expectancy or average lifespan?)"
"あなたの国では、健康寿命についてよく話されますか? (Is healthy life expectancy talked about often in your country?)"
"将来、健康寿命を維持するためにどんな趣味を持ちたいですか? (What kind of hobbies do you want to have in the future to maintain your healthy life expectancy?)"
Journal Prompts
今日の生活の中で、健康寿命に良いと思った行動を書いてください。 (Write about actions you took today that you think were good for your healthy life expectancy.)
あなたが考える「理想的な健康寿命」とはどのようなものですか? (What is your ideal 'healthy life expectancy'?)
健康寿命を延ばすための新しい習慣を一つ提案してください。 (Propose one new habit to extend healthy life expectancy.)
10年後の自分の健康寿命について、期待と不安を書いてください。 (Write about your expectations and anxieties regarding your healthy life expectancy 10 years from now.)
社会全体で健康寿命を延ばすには、何が必要だと思いますか? (What do you think is needed for society as a whole to extend healthy life expectancy?)
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions健康寿命は、介護を必要とせずに自立して生活できる期間のことです。平均寿命とは異なり、健康でいられる時間の長さを表します。日本はこの期間が世界でもトップクラスに長いです。
平均寿命は「生まれてから死ぬまでの期間」ですが、健康寿命は「健康で自立して過ごせる期間」です。この二つの差は、病気や介護が必要な期間を意味します。
適度な運動、バランスの取れた食事、十分な睡眠、そして社会的なつながりを持つことが効果的だと言われています。特にウォーキングなどの有酸素運動が推奨されます。
最新のデータでは、男性は約72.6歳、女性は約75.5歳となっています(2019年算出)。平均寿命との差は約9〜12年あります。
高齢化が進む中で、単に長生きするだけでなく、人生の質(QOL)を高めることが重要視されているからです。また、医療費や介護費の抑制にもつながります。
一般的には「日常生活に制限がない状態」を指します。自分で食事ができる、歩ける、トイレに行けるなどの基本的な生活動作が含まれます。
日本は常に世界トップクラスに位置しています。シンガポールやスイス、スペインなども健康寿命が長い国として知られています。
はい、地域や経済状況、教育水準などによって格差があることが研究で示されています。自治体はこの格差をなくすための取り組みを行っています。
フレイル(虚弱)は、健康な状態と要介護状態の中間の段階です。フレイルを予防・改善することは、健康寿命を維持するために非常に重要です。
日本では厚生労働省が3年ごとに大規模な調査(国民生活基礎調査)を行い、その結果をもとに算出しています。
Test Yourself 200 questions
健康寿命を延ばすために、あなたが毎日していることを書いてください。
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
「健康寿命」と「平均寿命」の違いを説明してください。
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
健康寿命を延ばすことが、社会にとってなぜ大切なのか、あなたの意見を書いてください。
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
あなたの国の健康寿命について、知っていることを日本語で書いてください。
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
将来、どのような生活を送ることで健康寿命を維持したいですか?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
健康寿命を延ばすための新しい政策を一つ提案してください。
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
「健康寿命の格差」をなくすために、自治体ができることは何だと思いますか?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
健康寿命を延ばすために必要な「心の健康」について書いてください。
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
あなたが考える「健康寿命の秘訣」を三つ挙げてください。
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
「人生100年時代」において、健康寿命はどのような役割を果たすと思いますか?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
健康寿命を意識した街づくりについて、どのようなアイデアがありますか?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
「健康寿命」という言葉を使った短い物語を書いてください。
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
家族の健康寿命をサポートするためにできることは何ですか?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
テクノロジーが健康寿命に与える影響について、あなたの考えを書いてください。
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
健康寿命を延ばすためのキャンペーンのスローガンを考えてください。
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
「腹八分目」が健康寿命に良いと言われる理由を推測して書いてください。
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
健康寿命が長い高齢者が増えると、社会はどう変わると思いますか?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
あなたが最近読んだ、健康寿命に関するニュースの内容を要約してください。
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
健康寿命を維持するための「睡眠の重要性」について書いてください。
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
子供たちに「健康寿命」という言葉を教えるための説明文を書いてください。
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
「健康寿命」という言葉を使って、あなたの健康習慣を一つ紹介してください。
Read this aloud:
You said:
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なぜ日本は健康寿命が長いのだと思いますか?あなたの考えを述べてください。
Read this aloud:
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健康寿命を延ばすために、社会全体でどのようなことができるか提案してください。
Read this aloud:
You said:
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あなたの国で「健康寿命」に相当する言葉や概念はありますか?説明してください。
Read this aloud:
You said:
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「平均寿命が長くても、健康寿命が短ければ意味がない」という意見についてどう思いますか?
Read this aloud:
You said:
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将来、自分自身の健康寿命をどのように維持していきたいか話してください。
Read this aloud:
You said:
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健康寿命を延ばすための「理想的な一日」を説明してください。
Read this aloud:
You said:
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政府が健康寿命を延ばすためのキャンペーンを行うべきだと思いますか?その理由は?
Read this aloud:
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高齢者が健康寿命を延ばすために、テクノロジーをどう活用できるか話してください。
Read this aloud:
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あなたの周りで健康寿命が長そうな人はいますか?その人の習慣を教えてください。
Read this aloud:
You said:
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「心の健康」と「健康寿命」の関係について、あなたの考えを話してください。
Read this aloud:
You said:
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健康寿命を延ばすために、子供の頃から教えるべきことは何だと思いますか?
Read this aloud:
You said:
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「健康寿命」という言葉を聞いて、どのようなイメージを持ちますか?
Read this aloud:
You said:
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定年退職後の生活と健康寿命の関係について述べてください。
Read this aloud:
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健康寿命を延ばすために、食生活で一番気をつけていることは何ですか?
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「健康寿命の格差」という問題について、どのように感じますか?
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健康寿命をテーマにしたテレビ番組があったら、どのような内容にすべきですか?
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あなたが考える「健康寿命を縮める悪い習慣」を三つ挙げてください。
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「ピンピンコロリ」という考え方は、現代の日本社会で受け入れられると思いますか?
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最後に、健康寿命を延ばしたいと考えている人にアドバイスをお願いします。
Read this aloud:
You said:
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「健康寿命」という言葉を3回使った短いニュースを聴いて、その内容を要約してください。(※スクリプトを想定)
会話の中で「健康寿命」がどのような文脈で使われているか聞き取ってください。
健康寿命の延伸について話している専門家の意見のポイントを三つ挙げてください。
「健康寿命」と「平均寿命」の具体的な数字を聞き取ってメモしてください。
自治体の放送で「健康寿命を延ばすためのイベント」の案内を聴き、日時と場所を特定してください。
健康寿命に関するインタビューで、話者が一番伝えたいことは何か聞き取ってください。
「健康寿命」の読み方とアクセントを正確に聞き取って真似してください。
複数の人が健康寿命について議論している音声を聴き、それぞれの立場を理解してください。
健康寿命を延ばすための体操の指示を聴き、その通りに動いてみてください。
「健康寿命」という言葉が含まれるポッドキャストを聴いて、新しい語彙を三つ書き出してください。
健康寿命の格差についての統計データを説明する音声を聴き、グラフの形を推測してください。
高齢者が自分の健康寿命について語る音声を聴き、その人の「生きがい」は何ですか?
サプリメントのCMで「健康寿命」がどのようにアピールされているか聞き取ってください。
健康寿命を延ばすための料理レシピの紹介を聴き、必要な材料をメモしてください。
「健康寿命」をテーマにした落語や小話を聴いて、そのオチを理解してください。
/ 200 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The word 健康寿命 (Kenkō Jūmyō) emphasizes that living long is only half the goal; living healthily and independently is what truly matters in modern Japan. For example: '健康寿命を延ばすために、バランスの良い食事を心がけましょう' (Let's aim for a balanced diet to extend our healthy life expectancy).
- Kenkō Jūmyō means 'healthy life expectancy,' focusing on years lived without disability.
- It is a key concept in Japan's aging society to measure quality of life.
- The goal is to extend this period (延ばす) to match the total lifespan more closely.
- Commonly heard in news, medical contexts, and government health policy discussions.
Use with 'Nobasu'
Always remember the pairing 'Kenkō Jūmyō wo nobasu'. It's the most natural way to express the goal of living healthily longer.
Aging Society Context
When you use this word, Japanese people will perceive you as someone who understands the social challenges of modern Japan.
Noun Compounds
Treat it as a single unit. Don't put particles between 'Kenkō' and 'Jūmyō'.
Contrast with Heikin Jūmyō
In presentations, use 'Heikin Jūmyō' (total life) and 'Kenkō Jūmyō' (healthy life) together to show a sophisticated vocabulary.
Related Content
More health words
しばらく
B1For a while, for some time.
異変がある
B1To have an unusual change or abnormality.
異常な
B1Abnormal; unusual; irregular.
擦り傷
B1Scratch, graze, abrasion.
吸収する
B1To absorb.
禁酒
B1Abstinence from alcohol; the act of refraining from alcohol.
痛む
A2to hurt; to ache
鍼灸
B1Acupuncture and moxibustion; traditional Chinese medicine treatments.
急性的
B1Acute.
急性な
B1Acute