New Zealand is an adventurer’s paradise. With outstanding biodiversity, mountains, beaches, volcanoes, and a temperature maritime climate, New Zealand is easily one of the most comfortable places to live on Earth. The “laidback Kiwi psyche” is well-known among the world, contributing to a more relaxed lifestyle. Combine that with top-notch wines and the Kiwi cardiovascular health is something to aim for.
12. 캐나다 – 81.78
One of the most developed countries on the planet, Canada is also one of the most-liked. Beyond it’s massive natural heritage and equitable living, Canada is also the most educated country in the world, ranking first in the percentage (51%) of adults with at least an undergraduate degree. Despite the massive amounts of immigrants accepted into Canada each year – Canada accepts 10% of global refugees annually – life expectancy numbers don’t skew as much as could be expected. The ease of life in Canada may just be the driving force for the longevity of all who live there.
11. 프랑스 – 81.84
The French are known as being some of the healthiest people in the world. The combination of a healthy Mediterranean diet, one of the best healthcare systems in the world, and a strong work-life balance all help the French live up to an average age of 81.84 years. The country has one of the greatest discrepancies between the sexes on this list, with the average French woman living over six years longer than the average French man.
10. 스웨덴 – 81.93
The third Scandinavian country to appear on our list, Sweden reinforces the fact that Northern Europe is one of the healthiest regions in the world. Besides having the highest water quality and the second lowest air pollution in the OECD, the Swedish diet plays a major role in such longevity. The fish, berry, and whole-grains rich diet lowers the risk of heart disease and overall helps Swedes live longer.
9. 이스라엘 – 82.07
Israelis have the ninth highest life expectancy in the world, living on average for over 82 years. Besides also eating a Mediterranean diet (see a trend yet?), some scientists believe the genetically mixed population of Israel helps extend lifespans since mixed peoples tend to life longer. Israelis also enjoy stronger ties with their families and communities than many other countries.
8. 호주 – 82.09
Despite the dangers of Australia – terrifying creatures, rising obesity rates, and the world’s highest prevalence of skin cancer – Australians are resolutely hardy people, living on average up to 82.09 years. Health professionals credit a decrease in smoking (the largest preventable cause of death in Oz) and a high literacy among Aussies for such long lifespans.
7. 스페인 – 82.27
Spaniards, the fourth of five Mediterranean nationalities on our list, have remarkably long spans largely due to diet and the favorable climate. Beyond these, Spain also has the sixth lowest suicide rate in the OECD. Countries with lower suicide rates include Turkey, Mexico, Greece (#22), Israel (#9), and #3 on our list.
6. 아이슬란드 – 82.3
The long-living Icelanders can thank their natural surroundings for giving them such long lives. Beyond an efficient public health system and plenty of fresh fish in their diets, Icelanders live in one of the least polluted countries on Earth. Iceland keeps itself environmentally pure by emphasizing geothermal energy and providing residents with hot water direct from the island’s hot springs and volcanism.
5. 싱가포르 – 82.64
Home to one of the richest populations on Earth, Singapore is the world’s sole island city-state. Most Singaporeans live to age 82 and beyond, largely thanks to a government with tremendous foresight. Controlling the amount of cars (and thus pollution) on the road and managing a widely-comprehensive healthcare system, the government has also placed a focus on chronic disease prevention and management.
4. 스위스 – 82.66
An Alpine paradise, Switzerland boasts high incomes, clean air, and happy people. A major reason why the Swiss live so long? The World Economic Forum’s Human Capital Report in 2013 cites Switzerland as the country which invests the most in its citizens’ health, talent, and education. Combine a well-cared-for population with low crime rates and strong social cohesion and you have the working for one of the longest lifespans in the world.
3. 이탈리아 – 82.84
Italians are a bit of an enigma – despite all the smoking, carbs, and the lower incomes than other countries on this list, Italy has the third highest life expectancy in the world. Glossing over the previously-discussed Mediterranean diet and temperate climate’s positive effects, Italy has long-been a more cohesive society than many others on this list. Lower levels of social turmoil and inequality seem to play an important role in Italians’ better health.
2. 일본 – 83.3
Cited by some researchers as the healthiest people on the planet, the Japanese enjoy an average lifespan of 83.3 years. Japan has been studied by scientists across the world for having the highest per capita number of centenarians (people living to over 100 years old) at 34.85 per 100,000. The highest proportion of these centenarians are on the island of Okinawa: the highest consumer of seaweed in the world. Maybe we have something to learn from the green stuff.
1. 홍콩 – 83.73
And the top spot on our list goes to…Hong Kongers! The cramped-living, busy-working city dwellers may surprise some people to take the top spot on our list. But Hong Kongers live on average for nearly 84 years! Though work is often cited as a primary stress factor, the “emptiness syndrome” that comes from having nothing to do rarely affects Hong Kongers who frequently work into their 80’s. A highly-steamed Cantonese diet, body-moving tai chi (found to increase balance and cardiovascular strength), and brain-stimulating mahjong game (found to delay the onset of dementia) help to make Hong Kongers the longest living nationality on Earth.
