Ever look at your Fitbit, your half-eaten kale salad, and your 17 open browser tabs and think, “Is this…it?” Same. Meanwhile, there are people across the globe casually hitting 90, still walking to the market, cooking with real ingredients, and somehow not stress-scrolling at 2AM. So what’s their secret? Spoiler: it’s not a $300 supplement or a green juice subscription. It’s actually way simpler—and kinda makes you question everything about modern American life. From daily naps to fermented foods to just chilling out, these countries have cracked the code on living longer and better.
So if you’re ready to swap burnout culture for a little more balance (and maybe pick up a few delicious habits along the way), here are 15 countries where people live longer than Americans—and what they’re doing differently that actually works.
1. Japan
In Japan, growing old isn’t just expected—it’s vibed. With an average life expectancy of over 84 years, Japan consistently tops the charts, and the secret sauce isn’t just sushi (though that helps). Their traditional diet is low in saturated fats and high in fermented foods, fresh veggies, and omega-rich fish. And let’s not forget about ikigai, the Japanese concept of purpose—basically, having a reason to wake up that isn’t just emails and existential dread.
Plus, they walk everywhere, often well into their 80s and 90s. Aging is celebrated, not feared, with elderly folks treated as living treasures rather than burdens. According to National Geographic, Okinawa’s centenarians also thrive on tight-knit community bonds and low-stress island living.
Also, their portion sizes are baby-sized compared to American standards, which means fewer calories, more mindfulness, and probably fewer “food comas.” It’s not about restriction—it’s about balance, grace, and gratitude.
2. Switzerland
Switzerland is basically the introvert’s dream: quiet towns, world-class chocolate, punctual trains, and no one talking loudly on speakerphone. The Swiss live to about 84 years on average, and it’s not all about the Alps and cowbells (though we stan those too). What really makes the difference? An emphasis on preventative care and one of the best healthcare systems in the world. Also, let’s talk cheese—but not the overly processed American kind. The Swiss eat rich foods mindfully, walk a ton, and enjoy nature like it’s their job.
In fact, a big reason they stay healthy is their commitment to outdoor activity—skiing, hiking, biking, and those picture-perfect lake swims. As Swiss Info points out, their culture also supports stress-reducing policies like paid vacation, universal healthcare, and early retirement options. And honestly, when you’re not terrified of surprise medical bills, you probably sleep a little better. So if you want to live longer, channel your inner Swiss: move your body, breathe in some mountain air, and don’t skimp on quality-of-life vibes.
3. Singapore
Singapore may be tiny, but it’s mighty when it comes to longevity. With an average life expectancy of around 84 years, it’s one of the healthiest places on Earth—despite being a hyper-urbanized city-state. How? Two words: public health. From strict tobacco laws to walkable infrastructure and mandatory exercise for school kids, this place runs like a well-oiled, low-sodium machine. Oh, and their healthcare system is ranked among the best globally, combining government subsidies with personal savings accounts—genius.
Residents also have access to affordable, clean food at hawker centers, where meals are cheap, portion-controlled, and often vegetable-heavy. And they take elder care seriously, encouraging multigenerational living and active aging programs. According to Bloomberg, Singapore has topped the health efficiency charts for years, proving that smart policy and clean living can make a huge difference.
4. Spain
Spain is where you go to fall in love with tomatoes, sleep whenever you want, and casually live forever. Okay, maybe not forever, but at around 84 years on average, Spaniards are clearly onto something. Their Mediterranean diet is basically the GOAT: olive oil, fresh fish, nuts, legumes, and wine that’s more “daily ritual” than “happy hour escape.” They eat slow, talk a lot, and rarely eat alone—which is just as good for the soul as it is for the heart.
But it’s not just about food. Spaniards prioritize leisure, walk often, and (gasp) take actual vacations. According to ScienceDirect, their combo of social connection, balanced meals, and daily movement keeps chronic illness at bay well into old age. Plus, a slower pace of life means less stress and more time to digest both your food and your feelings. In short: fewer drive-thrus, more long lunches with friends. Take the siesta. Order the tapas. Stretch your life out like a lazy Sunday afternoon.
5. Italy
Ah, Italy—the land of carbs, charisma, and centenarians. Italians average about 84 years of life, and somehow manage to make aging look chic. You’d think all that pasta would slow them down, but nope—it’s fuel, not a fast pass to a nap. What makes the difference is how they eat: fresh ingredients, home-cooked meals, and a rhythm that values family, routine, and rest. They walk everywhere, talk with their hands (aerobic, right?), and spend a lot of time outdoors—even in old age.
And don’t underestimate the power of joy. Italians are passionate people, and that zest translates into stronger social bonds and lower stress. According to Business Insider, the country’s longevity hotspots—like Sardinia—are packed with tight-knit communities where people feel seen, supported, and purpose-driven. Also: red wine, sunshine, and taking your sweet time. Life in Italy isn’t rushed, and neither is death. So maybe the real wellness hack is just…living like your Nonna would.
6. Australia
Australia isn’t just about koalas, killer surf, and casually massive spiders—it’s also one of the longest-living nations on the planet. Aussies can expect to make it to around 83 years, and they’re doing it with sunscreen, seafood, and a chilled-out vibe that makes even their slang sound relaxed. One of their superpowers? Preventative healthcare that actually prevents things. Plus, they’ve got universal healthcare that doesn’t come with a side of bankruptcy.
Aussies are famously outdoorsy, spending their time biking, hiking, and barbecuing (with plenty of shrimp, of course). The climate helps too—more vitamin D, more fresh air, less seasonal depression. And while their food scene includes Tim Tams and meat pies, there’s also a strong focus on fresh produce and seafood. Add in a work-life balance that doesn’t worship overworking, and it starts to make sense. Even their seniors stay active—like 70-year-olds doing ocean swims just because it’s Tuesday. Basically, Australia lives longer because it lives better.
7. South Korea
South Korea is living proof that tech-savvy doesn’t have to mean health-sabotaging. With a life expectancy rivaling the top global averages, South Koreans are quietly hacking their way to longevity with fermented foods, regular exercise, and next-level skincare that starts before kindergarten. Their diets are heavy on veggies, seafood, and gut-friendly goodies like kimchi (which is basically probiotic royalty). They walk a lot, they drink tea, and they hit up public parks for tai chi and stretching.
Even elderly folks stay on the move—and not just in yoga pants, but often in full hiking gear. Family plays a huge role too, with multigenerational households that support older adults well into their 90s. There’s also a deep cultural value on education, social respect, and mental sharpness, which keeps brains buzzing longer. And while the pressure of modern life is real, there’s increasing awareness around mental health and wellness. Bonus: healthcare is accessible and tech-integrated. South Korea’s longevity? It’s part tradition, part innovation, and 100% worth emulating.
8. Iceland
If your retirement plan includes hot springs, volcanoes, and zero stress, may I introduce you to Iceland? Icelanders are living past 83 with an enviable combo of clean living, strong community ties, and a diet that’s basically ocean-to-table. Their famously cold climate might scare off beach lovers, but it comes with perks like fewer allergens, active lifestyles, and fewer bugs trying to kill you. The real MVP, though, is their fish consumption—omega-3s flow like tap water.
They also prioritize family, education, and public health in ways that make most other countries look like they’re winging it. And yes, they soak in geothermal pools like it’s therapy, because it is. Exercise is woven into daily life—people hike, run, or just walk across those scenic lava fields for fun. Their healthcare system is strong, their environment is clean, and their air quality is practically Instagram-filtered. Social equity also plays a huge role, with low levels of income disparity and strong safety nets. Basically, Iceland wins at “vibes = vitality.”
9. France
Ah, France—the only country where you can eat bread daily, drink wine with lunch, and still outlive most of the world. The French average around 83 years, and their longevity is très chic. Their secret? Mindful indulgence. They don’t eat less, they eat better—prioritizing high-quality ingredients, small portions, and slow meals with actual conversation.
Walking is a lifestyle, not a chore, and public transport keeps people mobile even into old age. Socializing is essential, and elders stay connected through community activities and family gatherings. France also has a healthcare system that people don’t dread interacting with—imagine that. They prioritize beauty, art, and enjoyment in daily life, which turns out to be an anti-aging strategy. Stress is handled with more café breaks, fewer side hustles, and zero guilt around taking time off. It’s not a diet—it’s a mindset, and it’s très effective.
10. Norway
Norwegians are quietly crushing the longevity game with a combo of nature worship, clean air, and enough wool to survive a snowstorm at sea. With life expectancy clocking in around 83 years, Norway’s wellness blueprint is all about simplicity and sustainability. First off, they move a lot. Like, a lot. Hiking, skiing, and just walking through fjords is standard, and it doesn’t stop when the snow hits—it just gets cozier.
Their diet leans Nordic: think oily fish, root veggies, rye bread, and zero ultra-processed nonsense. Mental health is buoyed by a strong work-life balance and a social safety net that actually, you know, works. Retirement doesn’t mean isolation—it means more time outside and more community connection. They practice friluftsliv, or “open air living,” which is basically hygge’s adventurous cousin. It’s less about luxury and more about presence, nature, and purpose. Norway’s secret to long life? Bundle up, chill out, and go outside.
11. Portugal
Portugal may not be the loudest country on the list, but it’s quietly delivering some of the best longevity results in Europe. With life expectancy nearing 83, Portuguese people thrive on fresh seafood, olive oil, and a lifestyle that’s equal parts laid-back and connected. Meals are slow, often shared, and heavy on fish, beans, and garden-fresh veggies. They drink wine, but in moderation, and their desserts are sweet but simple—think custard tarts, not triple-frosted sugar bombs.
Community is everything: families are tight-knit, and elder care happens at home more often than not. Walking is part of life, not a separate “fitness routine,” especially through their gorgeous cobblestone towns. And yes, beach proximity helps. Portugal also enjoys decent healthcare access, low crime rates, and a climate that makes outdoor activity possible year-round. Older adults are celebrated, not sidelined. The whole country kind of runs on peace and pace, not panic.
12. Greece
Greece is basically the blueprint for the Mediterranean lifestyle everyone’s trying to sell you in diet books. People here often live into their 80s and 90s, and not in a “barely hanging on” kind of way—more like dancing at weddings and harvesting olives at 88. Food is sacred: olive oil, lentils, fish, yogurt, and lots of wild greens that look like weeds but are actually longevity fuel.
Meals are long, social, and rarely rushed. There’s also a spiritual element to daily life, with many older folks keeping faith, family, and routine closely tied. In the islands especially, people walk everywhere and rely more on what they grow than what they buy. Naps aren’t lazy—they’re smart. Community gatherings, religious festivals, and close family networks create a built-in support system. Stress levels? Basically nonexistent. Greeks age with flavor, rhythm, and community, and it totally shows.
13. Costa Rica
Pura vida isn’t just a catchphrase—it’s a full-on life extension strategy. Costa Ricans in regions like Nicoya routinely live into their 90s, and they do it with beans, sunshine, and strong community ties. Their diet is simple, plant-based, and protein-packed, with black beans, corn, plantains, and rice making up the daily staples.
Family comes first, and elders often live at home, not in care facilities. The pace of life is relaxed, with more focus on relationships and less on the hustle. People walk everywhere and engage in light labor even into their older years. Faith plays a central role, creating a sense of purpose and peace. Fresh air, clean water, and minimal pollution help too. Most folks work with their hands, garden daily, and socialize often. Basically, Costa Rica runs on sunlight, black coffee, and vibes—and it’s working.
14. Israel
Israelis have a life expectancy that hovers around 83, and they get there with a combo of Mediterranean diet, strong family values, and regular military service that keeps people active and fit well into adulthood. Their diet features a lot of olive oil, hummus, grilled veggies, and lean protein. But beyond food, Israelis are incredibly socially connected—family ties and community bonds run deep.
Physical activity is built into the culture, especially among seniors who stay engaged and mobile. The healthcare system is universal and surprisingly efficient, especially considering the country’s complex geopolitical situation. Mental resilience also plays a role—there’s a national spirit of adaptability and grit. Religion, tradition, and festivals give people a sense of rhythm and purpose. And despite the challenges, Israelis tend to laugh, love, and live loudly. It’s like they’ve collectively agreed not to let life go to waste. That attitude alone adds years.
15. Sweden
Swedes are out here aging like fine Scandinavian wine. With a life expectancy just over 83, Sweden combines sleek minimalism with deep-rooted health traditions. One key factor? Lagom—a Swedish word that means “just the right amount,” which sums up their entire approach to food, work, and stress. They’re big on whole grains, oily fish, berries, and dairy that actually has nutrients.
Daily movement is non-negotiable—whether it’s biking to work, cross-country skiing, or just walking the dog in the snow. Their cities are built for walking and biking, and public transport is a dream. Seniors stay active in communities, not isolated in suburbs. Universal healthcare and generous parental and eldercare leave reduce stress across the board. Mental wellness is woven into everything from education to retirement planning. In Sweden, living long isn’t a goal—it’s a side effect of living well.