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COUNTRIES WITH THE HIGHEST LIFE EXPECTANCIES IN THE WORLD

Added on: 12th May 2016

 

 

FINLAND & BELGIUM – 80.52

Dinant reflected

Starting off our list of countries with the highest life expectancies

are Finland and Belgium, both sharing the 25th spot. The two

highly-affluent European countries hint at a common trend

throughout the data: citizens of wealthier countries tend to

live longer. Though money doesn’t buy happiness (well, that’s

not entirely true but we’ll leave that for another list), money

can buy higher quality food, cleaner environments

and better healthcare.

 

 

PORTUGAL & GUADELOUPE – 80.54

Terras_de_Barroso

Coming in at 80.54 years, citizens of Portugal and Guadeloupe

(a French overseas territory in the Caribbean Sea) are the only

other areas to share a spot on our list. Guadeloupe’s relaxed,

island lifestyle contributes to a laid-back style of living, helpful

in keeping stress levels low and life expectancy high.

Portugal, despite not being as wealthy as other European Union

members, has the 12th best public health system in the world

and its people enjoy living with a strong gusto for life and family.

 

 

IRELAND – 80.57

Barack_Obama_and_his_Irish_cousin_on_Saint_Patrick's_Day_2012

Ireland’s high life expectancy may be a bit more than the luck

of the Irish. Though alcoholism and cirrhosis of the liver affects

thousands of Irish people every year, it’s possible that the

positive attitudes most residents of the Emerald Isle

have produces a beneficial effect on long life.

 

 

GREECE – 80.6

Greek_Salad_Choriatiki

Just as confusing as the Irish, the Greeks live hearty lives, up to

80.6 years old, despite having the largest percentage of

adult daily smokers of any OECD country. Maybe it’s all the

olive oil, feta cheese, and beach life.

 

 

GERMANY – 80.65

german girl at beach

The “land of poets and thinkers”, Germany is increasingly known

as having the widest belts in Europe. Though Germany has the

highest number of overweight people in the European Union,

it also has the world’s oldest universal health care system,

dating back to Otto von Bismarck in the 1880’s. Even as early

as the thirteenth century, Germany had high-quality healthcare

centres called spitals which predate modern-day hospitals.

 

 

AUSTRIA – 81.09

hallstatt austria

Austrians live magnificently long lives, coming in at number twenty

with an average life expectancy of 81.09 years. The Alpine air,

nominal per capita GDP of $52,216, and many opportunities

for social and cultural activities play a strong role in

Austrians’ longevity.

 

 

CHILE – 81.19

Colorful buildings on the hills of the UNESCO World Heritage city of Valparaiso, Chile

The only South American country on our list and one of only three

in the Western Hemisphere.  Chile has an average life

expectancy of 81.19 years. And it is no surprise why. Among

Latin America, Chile is the leader in human development,

income per capita, and state of peace. It goes to show that

peace and economic stability, two things most of our

ancestors a century or two ago didn’t have as they

constantly struggled to survive, play critical roles in

health and longevity.

 

 

MARTINIQUE – 81.2

Saint-Pierre,_Martinique_(seen_from_the_harbor_-_2005-06-15)

Another overseas region of France in the Caribbean, Martinique

has a higher standard of living than most Caribbean countries.

Largely financed by French aid, the country has increasingly

become a hotspot for tourists. It’s rumoured taking a vacation

to the island will boost your own life expectancy, if nothing

else than for having your feet in crystal blue waters.

 

 

NETHERLANDS – 81.31

amsterdam

The Netherlands’ healthcare system has consistently been rated

the best in Europe, but that’s not all keeping its citizens living

into their 80’s. The Dutch are also the most charitable country

in the world (per capita). Charitable giving boosts happiness and

life satisfaction which in turn increase life expectancy.

 


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