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?

More than a quarter of people in Japan are over 65. Combined with an extremely low birth rate, Japan’s seniors are an increasingly dominant demographic, and numerous companies are now looking to help the country save on health costs by getting the aged to exercise both mind and body.

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 as shukatsu – are thriving.