Life expectancy varies significantly across different regions and countries around the world. Some populations enjoy exceptionally long lifespans, while others unfortunately have much shorter expected lengths of life. Many factors influence lifespan, including wealth, access to healthcare, diet, lifestyle, genetics and more. In examining the populations that experience the greatest longevity globally, we can gain insight into practices and conditions that promote health and long life.
What countries have the highest life expectancy?
According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO) and other sources, the countries with the highest overall life expectancy are:
| Country | Life Expectancy at Birth (Years) |
|---|---|
| Hong Kong | 87.6 |
| Japan | 85.1 |
| Macau | 84.7 |
| Switzerland | 84.5 |
| Singapore | 84.5 |
| Italy | 84.4 |
| Spain | 84.3 |
As we can see, many of the top countries are located in East Asia and Europe. The tiny Chinese territory of Hong Kong has the highest reported life expectancy in the world at over 87 years. Nearby Japan and Macau also have exceptional longevity outcomes. Several western European nations like Switzerland, Italy and Spain are leaders as well. The lowest life expectancies globally tend to be found in African nations like Chad, Central African Republic, and Sierra Leone, where average lifespans are in the low to mid 50s.
Why do certain populations live longer?
There are a number of key factors that enable populations to achieve long lifespans:
Economic Prosperity
Wealthier nations tend to have higher life expectancy. Per capita GDP correlates strongly with lifespan. Some reasons for this include:
– Better access to healthcare and medical treatment
– Better infrastructure and living conditions
– More resources for public health initiatives
– Higher incomes and education levels
Culture & Lifestyle
Certain diets and lifestyle factors promote longevity:
– Balanced, nutritious diets high in vegetables, fish and whole grains are common in places like Japan and Hong Kong. These foods provide important antioxidants and nutrients.
– Regular physical activity and lower rates of obesity support healthy aging.
– Moderate alcohol consumption has been linked to longer lifespan.
– Strong social ties and family connections provide mental health benefits.
Healthcare System
Effective and affordable healthcare increases life expectancy through:
– Access to preventative care and disease screening
– Treatment of infectious and chronic illnesses
– Pre- and post-natal care to reduce infant mortality
– Health education and promotion campaigns
Genetic Factors
Evidence suggests genetics play some role in longevity across populations. Certain genes or biological advantages may predispose groups to longer lifespans. However, lifestyle and environment are still the primary factors. Genetics alone cannot explain wide disparities in life expectancy globally.
Which gender tends to have higher life expectancy?
Across most populations, women have a higher life expectancy at birth than men. Some reasons for this gender gap include:
– Biological advantages – women may have stronger immune systems and heart health
– Hormones – estrogen may provide protective effects
– Lower risk behaviors – men tend to drink and smoke more, engage in more violence and accidents
– Occupational hazards – men more likely to work dangerous jobs
The size of the male-female longevity gap varies by country but is typically around 4-6 years. In Russia, this gap is over 10 years due to very high rates of alcoholism and cardiovascular disease among Russian men. The gap is smaller in many developing nations where women face more health and socioeconomic challenges during childbearing years.
Which regions or populations have exceptionally high longevity?
In examining global data, we find exceptionally long lifespans among certain subpopulations and regions:
Okinawa, Japan
The residents of Okinawa, the southernmost Japanese prefecture, are renowned for their longevity. Okinawa has been described as a “longevity hotspot” with high concentrations of centenarians. Both men and women in Okinawa have very high survival rates into their 90s and 100s. Their traditional diet, active lifestyles, strong community connections and possibly genetics contribute to their long healthy lives.
Sardinia, Italy
The Mediterranean island of Sardinia has an unusually high number of centenarian residents, particularly concentrated in certain highland villages. Sardinian men reach about 81 years on average while women live to 86 – among the highest in the world. Environmental factors and familial longevity patterns both play a role. Sardinia’s Mediterranean diet, based around grains, vegetables, olive oil and red wine, has anti-inflammatory and heart health benefits.
Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica
This northwest coastal region of Costa Rica has been identified as a longevity hotspot, with a very high proportion of 90+ residents. Nicoyans have an active, outdoors lifestyle based around family, faith and hard work that may contribute to reduced stress. Their diet consists mainly of fruits, vegetables, beans, squash and fish. Access to universal healthcare in Costa Rica also helps Nicoyans get quality medical care.
Seventh Day Adventists in Loma Linda, California
The Seventh Day Adventist community in Loma Linda has gained attention for its members’ exceptional longevity and health outcomes. On average, Adventists live 7-10 years longer than other Californians. Their vegetarian diets, active lifestyles, focus on family and faith, and abstinence from smoking and drinking are key factors enabling their long lifespans.
Ikaria, Greece
This small Greek island has an extraordinarily high percentage of 90+ residents, particularly men. Their traditional lifestyle of healthy Mediterranean diet, daytime napping, regular physical activity and social engagement within a close-knit community has helped foster long healthy lives. The slow pace, sense of purpose and daily enjoyment of sunshine, food and wine also contribute to lower stress and longevity.
Specific Genetic Communities
Certain genetic populations demonstrate biological advantages enabling greater longevity. For example, people of Okinawan descent, Ashkenazi Jews, and those with FOXO3A or APOE “longevity genes” have exhibited long average and maximum lifespans across diverse environments. More research is needed to better understand the genetic components of longevity.
What lifestyle factors promote longevity?
While genetics play a partial role, research overwhelmingly suggests that lifestyle choices and environment are the primary determinants of lifespan within any population. Some of the key longevity-boosting practices include:
Healthy Diet
– Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, fish, and healthy oils
– Avoiding processed and sugary foods
– Favoring plant-based and minimally processed foods
– Drinking green tea and moderate red wine
Regular Exercise
– Engaging in regular cardio, strength training and flexibility exercises
– Staying active throughout life rather than just during youth
– Incorporating physical activity into daily routines
Stress Reduction
– Making time to relax and destress through activities like yoga, meditation, massage
– Cultivating gratitude, optimism and purpose
– Developing fulfilling social relationships and hobbies
Healthy Weight
– Maintaining a BMI in the normal range
– Losing weight if obese or overweight
Smoking Cessation
– Avoiding smoking and secondhand smoke
Preventative Care
– Undergoing recommended screenings and vaccinations
– Managing existing health conditions
– Establishing patient-doctor relationships
Lifelong Learning
– Keeping the mind active and engaged through learning new skills
– Participating in cognitive training activities
– Completing educational programs at older ages
Positive Attitude
– Focusing on finding purpose and joy in everyday life
– Practicing gratitude for what you have
How is life expectancy changing over time globally?
Over the past century, average global life expectancy has increased dramatically – from under 50 years in 1920 to over 70 years today. However, these gains have not been evenly distributed everywhere. Developed countries saw rapid rises in longevity throughout the 20th century due to improved living standards, sanitation, medicine and nutrition. In developing regions like Sub-Saharan Africa, life expectancy remained tragically low until recent decades when access to healthcare, vaccines and AIDS treatments finally allowed increases.
Going forward, experts predict continuing advances in longevity globally, but a growing gap between developed and developing world countries. Rising obesity, conflicts and inequality threaten to curb life expectancy gains in parts of Africa, the Middle East and South Asia. Progress may also slow in Western nations as they reach the upper limits of average human lifespan. However, breakthroughs in medical science could dramatically extend maximum human longevity to over 100 in the coming decades. Individual choices around diet, lifestyle and preventative care will be key factors determining longevity outcomes within populations. Genetic therapies and anti-aging treatments, if proven safe and effective, may eventually help elongate lifespans worldwide as well.
Conclusion
In reviewing the populations across the globe with the greatest longevity, we find common themes around diet, lifestyle, community and access to healthcare. While genetics play some role, our behaviors and environment remain the biggest determinants of lifespan. By adopting positive health practices, strengthening social ties, and improving medical care access globally, we can work towards equalizing and extending lifespans worldwide in the coming decades. Though maximum human longevity is limited, more people everywhere should have the opportunity to live out long, happy, fulfilled lives.