In addition to a healthy diet, according to experts, the traditional Spanish siesta also helps prolong life
A columnist for BBC Travel tried to find out the secret of long life in five countries that topped the 2017 ranking in the UN-commissioned World Happiness Report, and spoke with their residents.
JAPAN
On average, a Japanese person lives to the age of 83 – Japan has long been among the countries with the highest life expectancy. On the island of Okinawa, often called the land of immortals, international research into the phenomenon of long life is underway – more than 400 people over the age of 100 live there.
Scientists tend to attribute this to the local diet: an abundance of tofu (a protein-rich soybean product) and sweet potatoes, plus some fish. In addition, the social activity of the elderly and a sense of community play an important role in a stress-free life.
To take full advantage of such a life, you need to learn Japanese, emphasizes Daniele Gatti, who has long lived in the Land of the Rising Sun. “The quality of life in Japan is extraordinarily high, but only if you overcome the language barrier – otherwise you won’t understand the local mentality, which differs from the Western one much more than you might imagine,” she says. “Those who decide to move here should seriously consider whether they can find enough time and effort to learn the language. This is extremely important for deeper integration into local society, for a full and meaningful life here.”
SPAIN
The Mediterranean diet, rich in heart-healthy olive oil, vegetables, and wine, is one reason for the longevity of Spaniards, whose average life expectancy is 82.8 years. But there is another secret – the siesta.
“People think that Spaniards go for their la siesta because all shops are closed from 2 to 5 p.m. But in reality, that’s just how things are organized,” says Miquel Àngel Díez i Besora from Barcelona. “When you only have half an hour for a snack, you quickly eat a takeaway sandwich. But when you know you have two or three hours for a break, you go either home or to a restaurant, where you sit down and have a two-course meal with dessert. In that case, you have time to digest everything properly – which is much healthier than eating on the go.”
Spanish cities are designed more for walking than driving, so people here prefer to walk to shops and restaurants.
“When I moved to Barcelona, I immediately noticed that people here prefer to walk or cycle, or walk a few blocks and take public transport, but not use a car,” says Marina Manasyan. “As a result, you get more oxygen and pollute the atmosphere less.”
SINGAPORE
Singapore’s healthcare system, accessible to all residents, is apparently rightly called a miracle, judging by the average life expectancy of 83.1 years. The country has one of the lowest infant and maternal mortality rates in the world, with an emphasis on preventive medicine.
Local culture and environment also contribute to a long life. “You will see many people going to fitness clubs or exercising right in the parks, of which there are many,” says Bino Chua, a blogger living in Singapore. Recently, Singapore’s first therapeutic park for the elderly opened, designed to reduce stress and improve mental health.
It is also worth noting that it is quite difficult to maintain bad habits in Singapore. “Those who want to move here should know that taxes on cigarettes and alcohol are very high, so they are much more expensive than in other countries,” warns Bino Chua.
SWITZERLAND
In Switzerland, men live longer than anywhere else, reaching an average age of 81. One of the richest countries in Europe guarantees its citizens high-quality healthcare, a high level of personal safety, and a sense of well-being. Some studies even suggest that Swiss longevity can be linked to active consumption of cheese and other dairy products.
Although the Swiss work hard and career matters are very important, the country’s location encourages a proper work-life balance. “On weekends, it is customary to take short trips around the continent or spend time outdoors, since the Alpine slopes are nearby,” recalls Daniele Gatti, who lived in Switzerland before Japan.
SOUTH KOREA
According to a recent study, South Korea could become the first country in the world to achieve a life expectancy of 90 years. The reasons? A powerful and ever-growing economy, broad access to healthcare, and… low blood pressure compared to Western countries.
The Korean diet is full of fermented foods, which are believed to lower cholesterol, strengthen the immune system, and prevent cancer. “Generally speaking, Korean food is high in fiber and rich in nutrients,” notes Camilla Hocheb, founder and chairperson of Wellness Tourism Worldwide.
Respect for elders, priority of the community over the individual, and strong community ties allow Koreans to maintain a high quality of life. “The traditional Korean public bath is a place to socialize, relieve stress, and recover,” says Hocheb. “South Korean culture has a strong Buddhist mindful approach to life and a tendency toward collectivism.”