Japan

Japan holds the global crown for life expectancy year after year. As of the latest figures reported in 2024, the average Japanese citizen lives to about 85.6 years.

This remarkable statistic is often linked to a diet rich in fish, vegetables, and rice, along with strong social bonds and universal healthcare. According to the World Health Organization, Japan’s robust public health system ensures early treatment and prevention.

Reports from the Japanese Ministry of Health in 2024 show that heart disease and cancer rates are managed effectively through regular screenings. The culture of walking and staying active well into old age also plays a significant role.

With low obesity rates and high community engagement, Japan continues to set the standard for healthy, long lives.

Switzerland

Switzerland trails closely behind, boasting an average life expectancy of 84.5 years in 2024, according to the Swiss Federal Statistical Office. The country’s clean environment, high quality of life, and excellent healthcare system all contribute to these impressive numbers.

Many Swiss people enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and skiing, which keeps the population fit. The government’s focus on preventative medicine and easy access to healthcare services is evident in their national health data.

Swiss diets are balanced, featuring lots of fresh dairy, grains, and vegetables. Mental health is also prioritized, with studies from 2024 highlighting Switzerland’s low rates of depression among seniors.

The peaceful, picturesque surroundings encourage a stress-free lifestyle.

Singapore

Singapore’s life expectancy hit 84.3 years in 2024, as reported by the Ministry of Health Singapore. One standout factor is the nation’s world-class healthcare: hospitals and clinics are modern, affordable, and accessible to all citizens.

The government’s proactive health campaigns target chronic illnesses like diabetes and hypertension, leading to early intervention and better outcomes. Singapore’s food culture emphasizes fish, rice, and green vegetables, aligning with international healthy eating guidelines.

Public spaces are clean and green, promoting daily exercise. The city-state’s tight-knit families care for their elders, which researchers say is a key factor in longevity.

Strict laws on smoking and pollution also help Singaporeans stay healthy for longer.

Spain

Spain’s average life expectancy climbed to 84.1 years in 2024, based on figures from Spain’s National Institute of Statistics. The famed Mediterranean diet, high in olive oil, fish, and fresh produce, is widely credited for this longevity.

Social interaction is a cornerstone of Spanish life, and ongoing research in 2025 shows that strong family and community ties reduce stress and bolster mental health. The Spanish healthcare system ranks among the best in Europe, offering universal coverage and swift treatment.

Regular siestas and leisurely meals contribute to low stress levels. Physical activity, especially walking and cycling, is part of daily life for many Spaniards.

Spain’s mild climate also encourages outdoor living year-round.

Italy

Italy continues to be a European leader, with an average life expectancy of 83.8 years in 2024, according to the Italian National Institute of Statistics. The traditional Italian diet—featuring tomatoes, legumes, whole grains, and seafood—provides protective health benefits, confirmed by nutrition studies in 2023 and 2024.

Italians are famous for their tight family bonds and vibrant social circles, which foster emotional resilience. Preventive healthcare is widely practiced, with high rates of cancer screenings and vaccinations.

Walking is a daily habit, especially in smaller towns and cities. The Italian climate, paired with a slower-paced lifestyle, helps limit daily stress.

National health policies have further strengthened elder care in recent years.

Australia

Australia reached a new milestone in 2024 with an average life expectancy of 83.6 years, based on official data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Aussies benefit from one of the world’s best public health systems, Medicare, which ensures all citizens receive crucial medical care.

The country’s love for outdoor sports, from surfing to bushwalking, means people stay active from childhood through old age. Australian cities are walkable, and there’s a strong focus on mental health, with expanded services launched in 2023 and 2024.

Clean air, strict food safety standards, and a diverse, healthy diet also play roles. Local studies highlight the importance of community spirit in rural Australia, where neighbors look out for each other.

Norway

Norway’s life expectancy rose to 83.4 years in 2024, as published by Statistics Norway. Norwegians benefit from a high standard of living, universal healthcare, and generous social support systems.

Outdoor life is part of the national identity—skiing, hiking, and cycling are common at every age. The Norwegian diet features healthy fats from fish and plenty of root vegetables.

Mental health is taken seriously, with strong government support for counseling and senior activities. Clean water and air, along with strict environmental regulations, result in minimal pollution.

The culture of balance between work and leisure further supports healthy aging.

Sweden

Sweden’s life expectancy reached 83.2 years in 2024, as reported by Sweden’s National Board of Health and Welfare. The country provides universal health coverage and invests heavily in preventive health programs.

Swedes are known for their active lifestyles, often cycling or walking instead of driving. Their diet, influenced by the Nordic tradition, includes whole grains, berries, fish, and very little processed food.

Social equality reduces stress and promotes well-being, as shown in government-backed studies from 2023 and 2024. Regular health check-ups and widespread vaccination campaigns are standard.

Sweden’s clean environment and focus on sustainability contribute to a healthy, long life.

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