The Places where World’s Oldest, Healthiest People Live
Throughout history, explorers have looked for the fabled fountain of youth. And while the elusive fountain has yet to be discovered, some regions of the world have emerged as centres where people live significantly longer than the global average (around 72.98 years), and each has its own secret source of vitality.
However, People who live the longest typically follow balanced diets that are primarily plant-based, engage in regular low-impact activities, place a strong emphasis on their families and spirituality, and allot plenty of time each day to enjoy the small pleasures of life, like taking naps. Unbelievably, a healthy love for wine as well as warm weather are also common.
According to Global Citizen, other factors can include a stable political environment, a prosperous economy, access to quality medical care, and good sanitation.
Here, we have brought for you 9 places which have high average life expectancy. Also, these places on Earth are home to the world’s oldest, healthiest people.
- Singapore
Singaporeans are living longer than ever, with an average age of 83.1 years, thanks to widespread access to the nation’s cutting-edge medical facilities and what has been dubbed a “miracle” healthcare system. The nation prioritises preventative care in its healthcare system and has among the lowest rates of maternal and infant mortality in the entire world.
A longer life is also facilitated by the urban environment’s accessibility and culture. Many people exercise in the many public parks or go to gyms, according to Bino Chua, a current resident and travel writer for I Wander. Even more recently, the nation debuted its first therapeutic park, which is intended to lessen stress and enhance mental wellbeing in aging adults.
It is also more difficult to keep up unhealthy habits in Singapore. “Vices” are much more expensive here, so expats should be aware of this,” said Chau. “Cigarettes and alcohol cost much more than in other countries and are heavily taxed.”
Population: 5,791,901
Life Expectancy: 85.2 years
- Japan:
With an average life expectancy of 85.3 years, Japan is one of the nations with the highest life expectancy according to the World Factbook. According to the WHO, Japanese people are able to spend 75 percent of their lives in perfect health and without any disabilities.
According to AARP, extended work years, healthy diets, and regular physical activity are some factors that may increase longevity in the island nation. Working after retirement can lengthen a person’s life, according to research from Boston College’s Center for Retirement Research.
Population: 127,171854
Life Expectancy: 85.3 years
- Monaco:
According to the World Factbook, Monaco, the second-smallest nation in the world, has the longest life expectancy on the planet, at 89.4 years. A healthy Mediterranean diet, just like long-lived communities in Italy, Greece, and Spain; a state-funded healthcare system, and less stressful lifestyles are just a few of the explanations for the country’s longer life expectancy.
The majority of people are also devout, family-oriented, and enjoy spending time in nature. We can’t help but think they’re living it up in yachts bought with tax-free money in Monte Carlo.
Population: 38,695
Life Expectancy: 81.5 years
- Ikaria, Greece
Most people on this Greek island are said to live until they are 90 years old on average. Socializing and the laid-back atmosphere may contribute to this, though some experts believe their Mediterranean diet plays a role as well. There are 120 different types of greens in their pure Mediterranean diet, and most of them boast ten times the antioxidant content of wine. This is what makes it interesting.
Ikarians are strongly proud of their island and committed to it. This, along with late bedtimes balanced out by daily naps and strict adherence to the Mediterranean diet (eating lots of fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains, potatoes, and olive oil), encourages 1 in 3 Ikarians to live into their 90s, frequently free of dementia and chronic disease.
Population: 8,423
Life Expectancy: 88.1 years
- South Korea,
According to recent research, South Korea is on track to become the first nation to reach a Life Expectancy of 90 years. Its upward trajectory is attributed to a strong and expanding economy, widespread access to healthcare, and lower blood pressure than Western nations.
A diet high in fermented foods, which are said to lower cholesterol, strengthen the immune system, and prevent cancer, is also prevalent in the nation. According to Hoheb, Korean food is generally nutrient-dense and high in fibre.
Residents claim that a cultural emphasis on community and the associated traditions enhances the standard of living in this area. The public bathhouse, or Jimjilbang, Camille Hoheb, the founder of Wellness Tourism Worldwide, said, “brings people together to socialise, to relax, and to help reduce stress.” In South Korea, there is also a general attitude toward a culture of cooperation rather than individualism, as well as a general sense of mindfulness that comes with a Buddhist mindset.
Population: 51,363,732
Life Expectancy: 83.23 years
- Californian city Loma Linda
The people who live the longest in America reside in the Californian town of Loma Linda. Some experts contend that it is as a result of their religious practices. The majority of the locals are Seventh Day Adventists, who are among the country’s longest-living religious groups. According to popular belief, those who practices this religion typically live four to seven years longer than those in the rest of the nation.
America’s oldest residents reside in the Californian town of Loma Linda. Some experts claim that this is due to their religious beliefs. The majority of the locals are Seventh Day Adventists, who are known for having some of the longest life spans in America. By eating a diet rich in grains, fruits, nuts, and vegetables, adherents of this religion are said to live an average of 10 more healthy years than the average American.
Population: 25,097
Life Expectancy: 89 years
- Sardinia, Italy
This Blue Zone (a place where people live longer) has the highest percentage of male centenarians in the world thanks to a diet that is primarily composed of plants, regular physical activity, and close-knit families. (In this region, sheep herders, who typically walk at least five miles per day, and fathers of daughters, who may receive particularly tender care as they age, live even longer than the average.) Having the M26 marker, a genetic variant connected to extremely long life, passed down through generations in this isolated community also helps.
Population: 1,628,384
Life Expectancy: 82.3 years
- Austria
Austria is the second-richest nation in the EU, so it should come as no surprise that its citizens live long lives. The socioeconomic makeup of the nation has a positive impact on the population’s access to high-quality medical care and wholesome food.
Also, Austria ranks third in terms of safety, which lowers locals’ stress levels. The emphasis in Austrian culture is on striking a healthy work-life balance, with a more relaxed attitude toward working hours and a preference for outdoor recreation. On Sundays, many businesses close to give owners a day off, and most businesses close entirely in August so that workers can take a summer vacation.
In the summer, Austrians enjoy spending time at freshwater lakes, and in the winter, they enjoy skiing. This way of life is undoubtedly a good one. The title of having the best quality of life in the world belongs to Vienna, the nation’s capital.
Population: 9,116,820
Life Expectancy: 81.6 years
- Nicoya in Costa Rica
A person has the best chances of living a healthy life until the age of 90 in this region, which is one of those regions where longevity reign supreme. The relatively quiet and remote charm of the area is credited with the Nicoyans, who call this place home, having more than four times the likelihood of living to 90. Black beans, corn tortillas, squash, and tropical fruits are all year-round additions to this region’s residents’ year-round diet, according to some experts, making it the best the human species has ever had.
Population: 5,193,958
Life Expectancy: 78.7 years
Final Words:
The climate and the food play a significant role in living a healthy life. These places prove that if humans take care of their environment, exercise regularly, and care for their fellow citizens, they can increase the life expectancy not only of theirs but also of all other inhabitants of the place. Such culture can be detrimental towards a healthy life.
FAQs
Q.1- What is the average life expectancy of the world?
In 2022, the average person can expect to live for 72.98 years, which is 0.24% longer than in 2021. World’s average lifespan in 2021 was 72.81 years, up 0.24 percent from 2020. In 2020, the average lifespan in the world was 72.63 years, up 0.24 percent from the previous year.
Q.2- What are the places with high life expectancies?
- Singapore
- Japan:
- Monaco
- Ikaria, Greece
- South Korea
- Californian city Loma Linda
- Sardinia, Italy
- Austria
- Nicoya in Costa Rica
Q.3- Why do Italians live so long?
The long -life expectancy in Italy may be attributed to eating a lot of fresh fish, produce, nuts, and olive oil when cooking. Over the past 15 years, the number of centenarians—those who have reached the age of 100—has tripled in Italy. 83 percent of the total centenarian population are female.
