29 Countries in the World With the Longest Life Span

Local communities in top countries do not have a fountain of youth, but they do live relatively long for some common reasons. These people found prosperity not solely in material wealth, but in balanced diet, recreation, and in spirit.

Societies who have nurtured simple things in life live the healthiest. Far&Wide identifies 29 countries where locals have lived the longest, supported with findings from the World Economic Forum Global Competitiveness Report, the CIA World Factbook and the Blue Zones project. Reports rounded up some of the countries where people have the highest life expectancy, where citizens surpass an average age of 75 years.

Most also have high concentrations of centenarians, those who have reached the age of 100 years. Some even higher (up to 110 years old), suitably called supercentenarians.

Secret Fountains of Youth

The following countries are excellent places to consider when travelling, especially if you like to take a sip from the fountain of youth firsthand.

29. Barbados

Barbados is last on the list with the longest-living residents, where people put faith and family first. According to the Blue Zones project, "knowing your sense of purpose is worth up to seven years of extra life expectancy."

28. Costa Rica

Thanks to their plan de vida, which means "reasons to live", people in Costa Rica lives up to 78.7 years in average.

27. Greece

Known for their extraordinarily healthy diet, the average national life expectancy reaches 80.7 years. Blue Zone researchers also found that their locals are 'superhealthy' and illnesses like dementia, cancer and cardiovascular diseases are very rare.

26. Bermuda

Famous for pink-sand beaches, Bermuda also has one of the highest life expectancies on Earth.

25. Netherlands

The nation generally supports healthy aging by implementing standards to foster community and encourage healthy eating habits.

24. Anguilla

Being a self-governing British Overseas Territory, people in Anguilla live long lives due to overall island vibe, with abundant fresh, healthy seafood.

23. Monaco

Monaco is the second smallest country in the world, but still has overall highest life expectancy. People in the tiny country are religious and family-centric, and find pleasure relaxing outdoors.

22. Austria

As the second-richest country in the European Union, it's normal that citizens here enjoy long lifespans, especially with reliable healthcare around. Their culture focuses on a healthy work-life balance.

21. Spain

Spanish people like naps and siestas, which is why they are generally well-rested.

20. Jersey

Longevity in Jersey is attributed to mild weather and direct access to the sea.

19. Canada

Canadians focus on good mental and physical health, which helps them reach old age. The country ranks 16th on the World's Healthiest Nations report by Bloomberg and 9th on the World Happiness Report.

18. Liechtenstein

Locals here are big on healthy living. Given their 'quite mountainous' place, Liechtenstein provides its people plenty of clean, fresh air to breathe and excellent terrain for enjoying outdoor sports.

17. Norway

Norwegians credit their longevity to their diet, which is made up of heart-healthy seafood. They believe that to live a long life also helps to be joyous. Norway ranks the third happiest country in the world.

16. France

A place of culture and active lifestyles, French people also eat very healthily, contributing to very low rates of heart disease and obesity.

15. Sweden

According to OECD data, Swedish tend to live an incredible two years longer than those in any other country, with access to high-quality drinking water.

14. Italy

La Bella Vita, or good life is a common expression of Italians. People there enjoy access to farm-fresh fruits, vegetables and other produce.

13. Australia

It is important that people in the country spend time in nature.

12. Luxembourg

With many socioeconomic advantages, Luxembourg also has overall highest life expectancy.

11. South Korea

Speaking of strong economy, South Korea ranks the tenth having the highest life expectancy. This is largely due to a healthy lifestyle, low rate of smoking and a diet focused on fish, rice, soy and fermented vegetables (kimchi) - the new "superfood" according to WeForum.

Also read: Ecuador: The First Country in the World to Give Distinct Legal Rights to Wild Animals

The Healthiest 10

10. Israel

Israel shares the same national life expectancy with South Korea, where Mediterranean diet, family-centric communities and warm weather boosts impressive longevity amongst its citizens.

9. Switzerland

The nation is largely committed to being neutral in conflict (and loves soul-nourishing chocolate). The population is also generally very wealthy in terms of economy.

8. Guernsey

People here enjoy old age as most of them can afford to spend on healthy food, gym memberships, healthcare and other forms of self-care.

7. Andorra

Life expectancy here is unusually high, where residents enjoy easy access to healthy food and high-quality medical care.

6. Hong Kong

Meanwhile, high life expectancy in Hong Kong comes as a surprise, considering it is the densest major urban area in the world and contributes largely to extreme pollution.

5. Iceland

Some of the happiest people on the planet lives in Iceland, in fact it ranks 4th on the World Happiness Report.

4. San Marino

One of the world's oldest surviving republics where people enjoy fresh air and beautiful countryside for outdoor activities.

3. Macau

People in the country enjoy access to financial security.

2. Singapore

With growing economic prosperity over the past three decades and excellent healthcare, Singapore ranks the second country wherepeopel live the longest.

1. Japan

Lastly, Japanese people with no doubt lives long, as they are customed with the sense of ikigai, or reason for living, fostering health and happiness.

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