Uncovering The Fountain Of Youth
What's the secret to longevity? Most people would probably say exercise and a healthy diet; but, then you read reports from supercentenarians and they all say that they smoked a pack of cigarettes a day and drank wine with every meal. Whatever they're doing, these countries (and only countries, no territories or dependencies allowed) are doing something right.
1. Monaco
Monaco leads the pack with a lifespan of 86.3-87 years! Part of this is due to the Mediterranean diet, high standards of living, and low-stress environment. The rest comes down to Monaco's ultra-wealthy population having access to the best healthcare money can buy.
2. San Marino
Next up is another microstate where quality makes up for quantity: San Marino. San Marino's life expectancy is 85.7 years. Like Monaco, San Marino benefits from a wealthy population and stable government, however their excellent healthcare system also contributes to this statistic.
3. Hong Kong
Our first entry outside of Europe, Hong Kong doesn't trail too far behind with a life expectancy of 85.25 years. In addition to benefiting from economic stability and affordable healthcare, Hong Kong has a secret weapon up its sleeve. The city's design and public transit system not only encourage walking, but see a reduction in traffic accidents.
4. Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein's life life expectancy rose to 84.6 years after taking a serious hit in the initial months of the pandemic. In addition to having free healthcare and a strong economy, Liechtenstein is a very safe country. So safe, in fact, that the whole country is invited to party at the castle for independence day.
5. Japan
On the list of the 50 oldest living people, Japan takes up 16 of the spots, more than any other country. Why? The easy answer is diet. Japanese cuisine is low in saturated fat and red meat, which can lead to heart disease and cancer, but high in plant-based antioxidants. It's no wonder their life expectancy is 84.04 years.
6. Andorra
Another microstate, Andorra's life expectancy is tied with Japan's at 84.04. Andorrans may credit some of their longevity to their altitude, nestled between Spain and France, high in the Pyrenees, Andorra has fresh air and little pollution. The rest of the credit should go to vaccines, which have a 99% immunization rate.
7. Spain
Spain's life expectancy is the highest in the EU at 84 years, and it can't just be attributed to diet or diet. While both factors certainly help, a large part of why Spaniards are so long-lived has to do with their support system. In comparison to countries where elderly populations live alone, most elderly people in Spain live with a partner or family, which creates a strong net.
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8. South Korea
South Korea's life expectancy is 83.77 and is rising rapidly. Much like Japan, a focus on healthy eating and exercise helps keep Koreans healthy. The country also has one of the best cancer treatments in the world with the highest survival rate.
9. Switzerland
There are conflicting sources for Switzerland's life expectancy, but after crunching the numbers, it evens out to an impressive 83.75. Like many other countries on this list, Switzerland is very wealthy, which allows residents access to high-quality healthcare. However, Switzerland's secret may lay in its healthy diet which includes 5 daily meals and lots of bread.
10. Singapore
Singapore is another country whose statistics are on the rise. Preliminary data shows the island country going strong at 83.5 years. Heavy taxation on cigarettes and alcohol along with a focus on sustainability and green space help push Singapore into the top 10.
11. Sweden
Swedes can expect to live 83.3 years, and that number is only going up! Access to healthcare and especially sanitation is an enormous help, with Sweden having some of the cleanest drinking water on Earth! Another thing that Swede's credit for their longevity is a sense of community; having someone to rely on certainly makes life easier.
12. Australia
On average, Aussies live 83.1 years, the highest of all English-speaking countries, and it's not for the reason you think. While the sun definitely helps, Australians live so long because pregnancy rates are going down. Infant mortality skews life expectancy (which is why people think everyone died at 35 in the Middle Ages), simple as that.
13. United Arab Emirates
At a clean 83 years, the United Arab Emirates has the highest life expectancy in the Middle East. Like Monaco, a lot of UAE residents are either mega-wealthy, expats, or both. Any combination of these factors likely contributes to an extended lifespan far above other countries in the area. The UAE's life expectancy is almost 8 years more than the rest of the Arab world, thanks to a relatively peaceful government.
14. Norway
If there's any country that proves that sunlight isn't the key to longevity, it's Norway, whose average life expectancy is 82.9 years. Not for nothing, Norway is regularly ranked one of the best countries to live in by the Human Development Index, and one of the happiest. The combination of a diet rich in grain and fish, along with public healthcare keeps Norwegians happy and healthy.
15. Canada
With a life expectancy of 82.63 years, Canada has earned the right to brag. It's not just that Canadians have a reputation for friendliness, but treatment for heart disease and cancer, especially in the north, have pushed Canada to the top of North America, and we don't just mean literally.And, for the record, the longest-lived province is French-speaking Quebec.
16. Malta
Malta's life expectancy is 82.4 years, a full year and a half higher than the EU average. What's better, it's improved by more than 4 since since the turn of the century. Malta has implemented increased infrastructure to support mental health, which, no doubt contributes to these rising statistics.
17. Italy
Italy's life expectancy is 82.2 years, but is anyone really surprised? Between the Mediterranean Diet, low-key lifestyle, and low infant mortality, Italians are truly living la dolce vita. Also unsurprisingly, life expectancy is highest in the affluent north, with Trentino-South Tyrol netting an 84.7.
18. Iceland
Life expectancy in 82.61 and, good news, it's projected to get even higher in the next few years! Like other Nordic countries, Iceland's cuisine skews toward fish rather than meat, giving them a heart-healthy diet filled with Omega-3 fatty acids. Another factor may be genetic: life in historical Iceland wasn't for the faint of heart, and those who survived passed their strong genes onto the next generation.
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19. Vatican City
The smallest country in the world is also one of the most long-lived. Statistics for the Holy See can be difficult to find, especially since there are technically no permanent citizens, but the average life expectancy evens out to a clean 82 years. The peaceful, low-stress life style (unless you're one of the Swiss Guards) certainly can't hurt.
20. France
The average life expectancy in France is 81.9 years. In addition to a healthy diet and exercise, France's shorter workweek and relaxed lifestyle are credited for raising longevity; French workers get a minimum of 30 days paid vacation. France was also home to the oldest (verified) person ever: Jeanne Calment who lived to be 122!
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