Taiwan’s centenarian population grows 13% in a year

台灣百歲人口一年成長13%

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan has 6,489 people aged 100 or older this year, up 13% from last year, LTN reported Friday.

The total increased by 740 from 5,749 in 2025. Of this year’s centenarians, 2,490 are turning 100, while 3,999 are older than 100, the health ministry said.

Ahead of the Double Ninth Festival on Oct. 18, the Social and Family Affairs Administration is continuing its annual tradition of presenting centenarians with gold lock-shaped pendants. The festival is an occasion for honoring older people, according to Money Weekly.

The administration has allocated NT$97.2 million (US$3 million) for the pendants this year, NT$20.2 million more than last year. Administration Director-General Chou Tao-chun (周道君) said the government also provides care and support tailored to older adults’ individual needs, according to CNA.

Those who remain active can participate in community activities and shared meals, while those who need assistance can access long-term care services. Support is also available for older adults who live alone.

People aged 65 and older account for 20.7% of the country’s population. The health ministry aims to extend average life expectancy by three years by 2032 while reducing the share of life spent in poor health, which currently accounts for about 10% of life expectancy.

To support these goals, the government has established more than 5,200 community care centers and subsidized 30 model communities that integrate care services. It also plans to visit an estimated 700,000 older adults living alone nationwide by 2027.