Which countries live the longest? It will come as no surprise that it is about the affluent ones, with efficient social or he althcare systems, and sometimes - above all - with a he althy diet. There are many reports about life expectancy. We took a closer look at the one prepared by the World He alth Organization (WHO) in 2022 and giving data for 2016. And below are the top ten countries where you can live to a ripe old age.
Contents:
- In which countries live the longest - Norway - 82.5
- Which countries live the longest in - South Korea - 82.7
- Which countries live the longest in - Canada - 82.8
- In which countries live the longest - Italy - 82.8
- In which countries live the longest - Australia - 82.9
- In which countries live the longest - France - 82.9
- Which countries live the longest in - Singapore - 82.9
- Which countries live the longest in - Spain - 83.1
- In which countries live the longest - Switzerland - 83.3
- Which countries live the longest in - Japan - 84.2
- How is Poland doing?
Report of the World He alth Organization "World He alth Statistics 2022. Monitoring He alth for the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals)" is one of the most important compilations of data on average life expectancy in different countries. Other documents are prepared, for example, by the American CIA (The World Factbook) or the World Bank.
The WHO analysis ignores, however, some of the smallest, low-population countries that often take the lead in reports by other organizations. Hence, Monaco is missing, for example. And what about the report of the World He alth Organization?
In which countries live the longest - Norway - 82.5
Norway is one of the richest countries in the world, which is allowed by rich deposits of minerals - natural gas and crude oil. In addition, Norwegians value a balanced, he althy lifestyle as well as constant contact with nature.
There is no shortage of natural miracles in this country. Probably most of us have seen beautiful pictures of fjords, wild islands or hills and mountains covered with forests. Norway isalso a country of welfare, and the amount of pensions there can be dizzying. Benefits for retirees allow you to organize several trips abroad a year.
The Nordic country is also always at the forefront of the UN list in terms of quality of life. The Human Development Index (HDI) is one of the highest in the world, and it covers, inter alia, he alth, economic development, income, gender equality and life expectancy.
Which countries live the longest in - South Korea - 82.7
In fact, you might be surprised to find this country on the list. In South Korea you work a lot and quite hard (up to 68 hours a week!). Nevertheless, the country can pride itself on an effective education system, and statistically educated people take better care of themselves. Besides, South Korea has a well-organized he alth system - one state fund (no private ones) to help everyone.
Of course, South Korea is also one of the Asian tigers with a well-developed economy, and thus - high we alth.
Unfortunately, this country is not particularly friendly to the elderly. Most of them live in poverty and, because they do not want to burden their families, they fall into isolation. Fortunately, both the government and non-governmental organizations are fighting this phenomenon more and more effectively. This is evidenced by the high position of South Korea in the analyzed WHO ranking in terms of life expectancy.
Which countries live the longest in - Canada - 82.8
Another rich country, and more and more open to outsiders. Interestingly, this is what influences the positive data - Canada is home to he althy, well-educated, well-motivated and active immigrants.
Moreover, according to the OECD, Canada ranks among the world's top countries with the best educated population, while the correlation between good education and life expectancy is always favorable when it comes to the latter indicator.
He althcare? Also one of the most efficiently operating in the world. And to make it even more interesting, Canadians do not smoke much! On the other hand, drugs used by young people are becoming an increasing problem. According to the information provided by the CBC.ca website, this may even gradually reduce the life expectancy rate. So, in the country of he alth, beautiful nature, openness and we alth, there are also some infamous areas of life.
In which countries live the longest - Italy - 82.8
Italians live their own way and … live out the righteouscentury. They smoke relatively much, do not earn as much as other Western countries on average, spend little on he alth care, and yet remain in good shape until late in life. Where is the secret?
First of all, in the Mediterranean diet. Poles associate Italian cuisine primarily with fatty pasta and caloric pizza. Meanwhile, it is worth remembering that the version of pizza that we commonly know reached us via … the United States. So it is not a typical Italian dish - in Italy it is much lighter, rich in fresh vegetables and poured with olive oil.
Besides, it is olive oil, produced on the spot, that contributes significantly to the longevity of Italians. In addition, there is wine consumed in a modest amount with each meal - also beneficial to he alth in this variant.
Italian cuisine is also a lot of fish and seafood. Italians can also boast a specific mentality - without unnecessary haste and with emotions "on top". And even tavern brawls with screams and curses are he althier than long-term suppression of emotions!
Italy's longest-lived region is Liguria, according to Thelocal.it, based on data from the national statistics office. So maybe it's time to move to Genoa or Cinque Terre?
In which countries live the longest - Australia - 82.9
On the Internet we can find many reports on murderous animals that inhabit Australia. An irritated kangaroo outside the window, a hose in the toilet or a poisonous spider on the desk, however, do not shorten the lives of residents as we would expect. It is the other way around - Australians live long! We will always find this country at the forefront of quality of life rankings.
Australians live he althy, play sports, eat consciously, earn a lot of money and have an efficient he alth care system. Large Australian cities are also culinary meccas with excellent restaurants serving he althy dishes, from all over the world.
A lot of sunlight is also important. It is difficult to find vitamin D deficiency, which corresponds to, among others, for better body immunity. But there is also a bit of bitterness in all of this - unfortunately, the high life expectancy does not apply to the indigenous people of the continent, i.e. the Aborigines.
In which countries live the longest - France - 82.9
At first glance, French cuisine does not seem particularly he althy: a lot of butter, other fats, aromatic, not too light sauces … But there is also excellent French wine. The inhabitants of the country on the Loire love to drink red wine in particular, and it - in moderate amounts - cansignificantly reduce the risk of, for example, heart disease.
Besides, the regionally French cuisine is very diversified. More heavy dishes can be found in the North and East, near Germany. Meanwhile, the further south you go, the more fish and fresh vegetables.
The French also have another way to stay fit - eating small portions. The obesity rate in France is actually one of the lowest in Europe.
Of course, we cannot ignore the fact that the French work … shorter (35 hours a week), and the relevant legislation does not actually allow you to take your work home. So maybe the secret lies in having more time for yourself?
The prosperity of the country and an excellent social and he alth insurance sector are also important.
Which countries live the longest in - Singapore - 82.9
The Asian city-state is distinguished by high affluence, an efficiently operating state apparatus and an excellent he alth service. The government actively cares for the good shape of citizens, as exemplified by the dynamically developing outdoor gyms.
It's hard to get bored in Singapore. Despite its small size, you will find there both typical city attractions and green recreational areas. Moreover, the Asian microcountry attracts intellectual and artistic elites from all over the world. And as we mentioned, good education goes hand in hand with greater he alth awareness and better care for the well-being of the body.
Draconian laws when it comes to tobacco and alcohol play a role, as well as very high excise duties on such products.
It is also worth remembering about the culinary richness of Singapore, which has nationally diverse restaurants at a very high level.
Which countries live the longest in - Spain - 83.1
This is another country from southern Europe that closes the podium in terms of life expectancy according to WHO. What is the Spanish recipe for longevity? First of all - again - an excellent Mediterranean diet, rich in fish, seafood, fresh vegetables and olive oil beneficial for he alth.
Spanish cuisine is not only tasty, but also very varied. Thanks to this, the body has "access" to many valuable nutrients. Everything must also be accompanied by a glass of good, local wine.
The tradition of siesta, that is breaks at work at lunchtime, is also of great importance. This allows you to eat a meal in peace, as well as rest for a while and de-stress.
Anyway, Spaniards do not like to live in excessive tension - everything can be done the next day ("mañana!").
Which countries do you live inlongest - Switzerland - 83.3
Time for the runner-up in the ranking and the European champion - Switzerland. This country is considered to be one of the best to live in in the world. Wages are high, he althcare works great, and people live at a decent level, able to afford a lot.
In addition, the Swiss feel good and feel safe. The country remained neutral during the turbulent events and wars of the 20th century, for example. Swiss citizens love to enjoy the benefits of nature, which are not lacking on the spot - after all, it is incl. there we have the picturesque Alps, the highest mountains in Europe.
Interestingly, the eating habits of the Swiss also have a good effect on their he alth. There is even a large share of - and how - Swiss cheeses.
Which countries live the longest in - Japan - 84.2
The winner of the longevity rankings, and many more, remains Japan. As is the case in many other countries, a he althy diet plays an important role in this comparison. The Japanese eat a lot of fish and seafood, vegetables, tofu, and little fat.
Interesting nutritional recommendations were prepared by the Japanese government in 2005, giving daily portions of various ingredients: 5-7 x cereal products (rice, pasta, bread), 5-6 x vegetables, 3-5 x fish or meat, 2 x fruit, 2 x milk or other dairy products.
In the Land of the Rising Sun, the rulers are actively working to care for the he alth of citizens. Examples? Access to he alth care for all without exception, promotion of sport, as well as specific social campaigns - incl. in order to reduce s alt consumption or popularize antihypertensive drugs.
Japan is also a very safe and prosperous country with a well-developed economy and technology. In society, you can also count on a strong support in the group, which gives an even greater sense of security and psychological comfort.
In the case of Japan, the phenomenon of the Okinawa island should also be mentioned. Its inhabitants are very often over 100 (there are always several hundred people!), And they are in great shape and in a great mood.
Okinawa has the origins of the ikigai philosophy, where the emphasis is on enjoying the little things while making ambitious plans. Our own ikigai is a goal in life that is worth finding - a balance between what we love and what we do. Other assumptions of this worldview are constant contact with nature, avoiding pressure and rush, and enjoying a social life.
How is Poland doing?
Poland is still a country "on its way", so we still have to work on reaching the top countries with the best expectedlife expectancy. In the WHO report, Poles have a value of 77.8 (broken down by gender: men 73.8, women 81.6).
We are ahead of us, for example, the Czechs (79.2) and the Germans (81.0). We do better than, for example, Hungarians (76.0), Lithuanians (75.0) and Slovaks (77.4). There is a lot ahead of us when it comes to the quality of he alth care or sportsmanship. The diet also requires some adjustments - you will need more fish and vegetables, and less fatty meats.