In these countries, people live
substantially longer than the worldwide average – and each place has its own
secret source of vitality.
Japan
Living to 83 on average, the Japanese have
long had one of the highest life expectancies. Okinawa, often called ‘the land
of immortals’, has been a global centre for longevity research, as these
southern Japanese islands have more than 400 centenarians. Much credit for this
has been given to the local diet, which includes plentiful tofu and sweet
potato, and a small amount of fish. Active social circles among older residents
and a strong community also contribute to lower levels of stress and a strong
sense of belonging.
To reap these benefits, learning the
language as an expat is critical, said Daniele Gatti, CEO of Velvet Mediaand
long-time Japan resident. “Japan has an amazing quality of life if you can get
past the language hurdle to better understand the mentality” – which is more
different from Western culture than most visitors think, he added. “Expats
willing to move here should think seriously about putting a major time
allocation into learning the language. It’s key to integrating deeper in the local
society and living a full and meaningful life.”
Spain
The Mediterranean diet, rich in
heart-healthy olive oil, vegetables and wine, has long contributed to Spain’s
long-lived population (averaging 82.8). But Spain has another longevity secret
up its sleeve: the siesta.
“People think all the Spaniards are doing
la siesta when the shops are closed between 2:00 and 5:00, but it is simply how
the working shift is organised,” said Miquel Àngel Diez i Besora from Barcelona
and Gray Linetour guide. “If you have a continuous shift and just a half an
hour break for lunch, then you eat a quick takeaway. On the contrary, if you
are forced to stop for two or three hours, then you go home or go to a
restaurant where you can sit down, eat two courses and dessert, and have time
enough to digest well, it’s going to be healthier than a takeaway.”
The density of Spanish cities also gets
people moving more, since shops and restaurants all tend to be within walking
distance of most people’s residences
Singapore
With broad access to the country’s
state-of-the-art medical facilities and what’s been called a ‘miracle’
healthcare system, Singaporeans are living longer than ever at an average of
83.1 years old. The country has one of the lowest maternal and infant mortality
rates in the world, and makes preventative care a focus of its healthcare.
The culture and accessible urban
environment also contributes to a longer life. “You will see a lot of people
going to gyms or exercising in the public parks, which are plentiful,” said
Bino Chua, a current resident and travel blogger at I Wander. The country even
recently opened its first therapeutic park, designed to reduce stress and
improve mental wellbeing among aging adults.
Health-averse habits are also harder to
maintain in Singapore. “Expats should know that ‘vices’ are a lot more
expensive here,” said Chau. “Cigarettes and alcohol are heavily taxed and cost
a lot more than in other countries.”
Switzerland
Men fare better in Switzerland than
anywhere else in the world, living to be 81 on average. As one of Europe’s
wealthiest countries, access to high-quality healthcare, strong personal safety
and sense of wellbeing contributes to the high rank – with some studies even
pointing to the country’s high intake of cheese and dairy as a leading factor.
South Korea
South Korea is set to be the first country
to hit a life expectancy of 90 years according to recent research, which
credits a strong and growing economy, broad access to healthcare and lower
blood pressure than Western countries for its upward trajectory.
The country also has a diet rich in
fermented foods, which are said to lower cholesterol, boost immunity and
inhibit cancer. “As a whole, Korean food is high in fibre and nutrient-dense,”
Hoheb said.