These Countries Are Doing Something Right
It's no secret that when it comes to lifespan, lifestyle choices are everything. Staying active, eating healthy, and having a strong sense of community are just some contributing factors. All the countries with the longest lifespan also have good quality free healthcare and strong economies. North Americans, pay attention. We can learn a thing or two from these 20 countries with the longest lifespan.
1. Monaco
Not only is Monaco a gorgeous country, full of yachts and Michelin-starred restaurants, but it's also the place where people have the longest life. The life expectancy here is nearly 90 years, which is more than 10 years longer than in the US.
2. San Marino
The unsuspecting micro-state of San Marino, surrounded by Italy, has the second-longest lifespan out of any country in the world. The life expectancy here is around 86 years.
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3. Hong Kong
Hongkongers can thank their stellar healthcare system and society's emphasis on a healthy diet and exercise for their long lifespans. People here have a life expectancy of almost 86 years.
4. Japan
People in Japan enjoy low rates of obesity and heart disease thanks to their mostly plant-based diet and strong healthcare system. The life expectancy here is around 85 years.
5. South Korea
South Korea has one of the highest-rated universal healthcare systems in the world. What's more, the Korean culture emphasises healthy eating and exercise, contributing to its almost 85-year life expectancy.
6. Saint Barthelemy
Perhaps it's the island lifestyle keeping people in Saint Barthelemy healthy well into their old age. People on the island enjoy plenty of luxury and sophistication as well as natural beauty.
7. French Polynesia
Another island nation that boasts a long lifespan is French Polynesia, situated in the South Pacific. People here live to an average of 85 years.
8. Andorra
Andorra is a tiny landlocked country on the Iberian Peninsula between Spain and France. Their stable environment, strong healthcare, and healthy lifestyle enable them to live to an average age of 84.
9. Switzerland
Whether it's the mountain air or the chocolate, the Swiss are clearly doing something right. The life expectancy here is around 84 years.
10. Australia
Australia's life expectancy is just over 84 years. This is likely due to the relatively active and healthy lifestyle, mild climate, strong healthcare system, and low crime rates.
11. Italy
We'd better start eating more pizza. People in Italy have a life expectancy of 84 years, which is still around 7 years more than in the US.
12. Singapore
Singapore's strong public health policies, emphasis on an active lifestyle, and excellent healthcare system have paid off. In Singapore, the life expectancy is nearly 84 years.
13. Spain
Who knew the secret to longevity would be found in tapas? Of course, the country also has a strong healthcare system, healthy social ties, and a mild climate, which all contribute to its 83-year life expectancy.
14. Liechtenstein
If you're one of the few people who have heard of the little European country of Liechtenstein, you probably know it for its economic prowess. Wealth and health oftentimes go hand in hand. People in Liechtenstein enjoy one of the highest GDPs in the world and one of the highest life expectancies, at nearly 84 years.
15. Reunion
Reunion Island is known for being a safe, peaceful tropical paradise with modern infrastructure and a good healthcare system. All of these factors contribute to the island's relatively long average lifespan of almost 84 years.
16. Gibraltar
Gibraltar is a British overseas territory at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula. Its life expectancy of 83.6 years is in line with other European countries and reflects the benefits of a strong universal healthcare system and a stable economy.
17. Malta
Malta is a European island nation situated between Sicily and North Africa. Life expectancy here is 83 and a half years, thanks to the country's good healthcare system, healthy lifestyle, and focus on public health.
18. France
While the average lifespan in France is not demonstrably longer than in other European nations, it's still six or seven years longer than in the US, despite all the bread and cheese in the French diet. People in France have an active lifestyle, enjoy a slower pace of life, and have access to universal healthcare.
19. Norway
Despite the harsh Northern climate, people in Norway live to be an average of 83 and a half years old. This is mostly chalked up to the healthy, active lifestyle, social safety net, access to universal healthcare, and environmental factors like clean air and water.
Vidar Nordli-Mathisen on Unsplash
20. Sweden
Like Norway, people in Sweden have a long lifespan, especially considering how harsh the environment is. The strong sense of community, healthy eating with much emphasis on omega-3 rich fish, active lifestyle, and free healthcare are all contributing factors.
