According to the World Bank, the 10 countries with the highest life expectancy rates as of 2021 are:
1. Japan – 84.6 years
2. Hong Kong SAR, China – 84.2 years
3. Switzerland – 83.6 years
4. Singapore – 83.5 years
5. Spain – 83.4 years
6. Italy – 83.2 years
7. Australia – 83.0 years
8. Iceland – 82.9 years
9. Israel – 82.8 years
10. South Korea – 82.8 years
Factors contributing to their longevity include:
1. Access to quality healthcare: These countries have well-funded healthcare systems that provide access to preventative and regular medical care to the population.
2. Clean and safe living conditions: These countries have strict environmental regulations and standards ensuring clean air, water, and food, contributing to overall health and well-being.
3. Healthy diets: Traditional diets in these countries are typically based on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean protein, and seafood, which are rich in nutrients and antioxidants.
4. Physical activity: These countries encourage active lifestyles through policies that promote exercise and active transportation like cycling and walking.
5. Social cohesion: Many of the countries on this list have strong social support systems and good community infrastructure that contribute to mental health and overall well-being.
6. Education and literacy: High literacy rates and quality education help people make informed decisions about their health and lifestyle.
7. Government policies: These countries have implemented policies that promote healthy lifestyle choices such as smoking bans, restrictions on unhealthy food marketing to children, and taxation of unhealthy foods.