COUNTRIES WITH LONG LIFE EXPECTANCIES

NORWAY

81.32

Most Norwegians enjoy living into their ninth decade of life.

Health researchers have noted, beyond the citizens’ affluence

and healthy diets, that Norwegians’ emphasis on “marka”

(nature nearby to every city) and spending time in said

nature increases their lifespans.

LUXEMBOURG

81.33

Citizens of one of the tiniest states in Europe enjoy one of the

highest life expectancies in the world. Luxembourg is the

highest seller of alcohol in Europe per capita, though these

numbers are skewed by the large amounts of foreigners

crossing the border to buy alcohol. Health-wise, one in five

Luxembourgers are licenced members of at least one sports

federation and maintain better health than much of Europe.

REPUBLIC OF KOREA

81.43

One of four Asian countries in the top fifteen, the Republic of

Korea (South Korea) follows an Asian trend in putting greater

emphasis on health than much of the Western World. Despite

Koreans’ generally living long lives, they face a major and

increasing problem from environmental pollution and

urbanization with almost half of the 51 million Koreans living

in the Seoul metropolitan area. Also, mental health is of

concern in South Korea, home to the industrialized world’s

highest suicide rate with 26 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants

in 2008.

NEW ZEALAND

81.56

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.

CANADA

81.78

One of the most developed countries on the planet, Canada is

also one of the most-liked. Beyond its 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.

FRANCE

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.

SWEDEN

81.93

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. Fish, berry

and a whole-grain rich diet lowers the risk of heart disease

and overall helps Swedes live longer.

ISRAEL

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.