More than 25% of the Japanese population is over the age of 65. With a low birthrate and increasing life expectancy, that figure is only set to increase. Japan is renowned for its respectful and traditionally regimented attitudes towards seniors, but what does it really mean to be ageing now, in the world’s oldest population?

Asia is notoriously home to some of the most active and beauty-conscious elderly people in the world; from Japanese retirees climbing Mount Everest to millions of Chinese seniors dancing in city squares. What can be learnt from fusing tradition and health to reach Asia's 'bright old things'?

Death might be a subject avoided in many cultures, but in Japan the attitude toward to the inevitable termination of life is open, honest and frank. So much so, in fact, that coffin-trying services and other ‘death businesses’ in the country – known asshukatsu– are thriving.

Many of us like to think that we’re ageing well - in Japan, elderly women have shown up their younger counterparts by recording the highest fitness levels of the 65 to 74 age group since records began in 1998. But how are they staying so healthy?