Record 5,749 centenarians in Taiwan this year

Taipei, Oct. 29 (CNA) The number of centenarians in Taiwan hit a record 5,749 as of Aug. 29, the Ministry of Health and Welfare said Wednesday as the nation celebrated the Double Ninth Festival.

The festival, also known as the Chongyang Festival or Senior Citizens' Day, falls on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month and honors the elderly. To mark the occasion, the government gives cash gifts and gold lock-shaped charms symbolizing longevity and good health to citizens aged 100 and above.

This year's procurement for the charms totaled about NT$76.99 million (US$2.51 million), up from nearly NT$60 million last year, according to acting head of the ministry's Department of Social and Family Affairs Chou Tao-chun (周道君).

Chou said the number of centenarians has grown steadily, from 5,011 in 2023 to 5,542 in 2024, before rising again this year by 738, or about 15 percent.