The nation's centenarian population hit a record-high of 69,785 as of September, with women accounting for 88.1 percent of the total, amid medical advances and greater health consciousness, the health ministry said Friday.

The figure rose 2,014 from the previous year, marking the 48th consecutive yearly increase, and represented a nearly sevenfold jump from two decades ago.

"We will continue to make efforts so that (the elderly) can stay healthy for a longer period of time," said an official at the health ministry.